Sodium transport across the caecal and colonic epithelium of germfree and specific-pathogen free rats

It was assumed that the enlarged caecum and the accumulation of semiliquid contents in germfree rats is accompanied by changes in sodium absorption. Transepithelial sodium fluxes were studied under Ussing chamber conditions across epithelial sheets of the caecum and colon of germfree (GF) and specific-pathogen free (SPF) rats. Net sodium transport was highest in the proximal colon and in the proximal segment of the distal colon; it was considerably lower in the caecum and in the distal segment of the distal colon. In the caecum and proximal colon of the GF rats, the electroneutral sodium absorption was increased as compared to the SPF rats. In the proximal segments of the distal colon, no differences were seen. In the distal segment of the distal colon, the mainly electroneutral sodium transport in the SPF rats was changed into electrogenic transport in the GF rats. These differences may be due to the increased aldosterone levels of the GF rats.