Experimental localization of intestinal uptake sites for metals (Cd, Hg, Zn, Se) in vivo in mice

The intestinal uptake process consists of two separable steps: transport over the luminal membrane into epithelial cytoplasm and transport over the basolateral membrane into serosal fluid. A compound's residence time in mucosal epithelial cytoplasm depends on rates of the two transport processes and, if the rate of the second step is low, on the rate of mucosal sloughing. Using gamma-emitting metal isotopes, in vivo labeling profiles of the intestinal tract were obtained from mice eating their normal diet. The results pertain to processes in the functioning, undisturbed intestinal tract. Single-dose chase experiments indicated that intestinal uptake processes were in fact studied. The labeling profiles varied considerably for different metals. Thus, Cd++ was absorbed mainly in duodenum and early jejunum, while Zn++ was taken up in jejunum and ileum. The uptake profile of Hg++ indicated most rapid uptake in proximal jejunum. Selenomethionine labeled the entire intestinal tract, most rapidly the duodenum, the following intestinal segments were labeled with falling rate. This experimental method is rapid and simple. Further studies aim at developing a quantitative model suited for studying interactions between essential and toxic metals at the level of intestinal metabolism.