[The effect of different lactic acid isomers in the colon of rats]

Depending on quantity and/or quality, the presence of lactic acid in the colonic lumen may be associated with metabolic damage of the colon. The influence exerted on the rat colon by the different isomers and racemic of the lactic acid, used at two extreme dilutions (20 and 100 mEq/l), has been the subject of study in this paper. The modifications on pH, water and electrolytes are associated with the absorptive/secretory action of the colonic wall. In addition, a study has been made on the influence of lactic acid on the colonic mucus and albumin permeation. Histopathologic studies of the caecum and left colon have been performed. There is a different colonic wall behaviour for each of the different isomers of the lactic and its racemic; a larger absorption of water, Na+ and Cl- for the D (-) isomer at a low concentration; its behaviour is completely opposite at high concentration. The final pH is higher when the D (-) isomer takes part; comparing the different isomers, there are small variations as far as albumin permeation is concerned. At high concentration there is a decline in Cl- absorption. The high percentage of erosions that take place especially in the caecum, where L (+) isomer can be found at high concentration, it is remarkable. The present observations suggest that the presence of lactic acid in (the) ulcerative colitis deserves great attention, especially in about the quantity and quality in which the acid can be found.