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Human intestinal potential difference: recording method and biophysical implications.
Author(s) -
Gustke R F,
McCormick P,
Ruppin H,
Soergel K H,
Whalen G E,
Wood C M
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.1981.sp014003
Subject(s) - jejunum , ileum , paracellular transport , chemistry , transepithelial potential difference , isotonic , biophysics , perfusion , potential difference , mannitol , electrophysiology , medicine , endocrinology , permeability (electromagnetism) , ion transporter , biochemistry , biology , membrane , electrode
1. The transmural electrical potential difference (PD) of the intact human small intestine was recorded with close attention to electrical symmetry, shielding from electro‐magnetic waves and correction for junction potentials. 2. The PD is ‐12 mV (mucosa‐negative) in the fasting jejunum and ileum and does not change during perfusion with isotonic NaCl. 3. Absorption of Na and Cl appears to be non‐electrogenic and the ‘resting’ PD is probably generated by active anion secretion of fasting intestinal contents. 4. Diffusion potentials during isotonic D‐mannitol perfusion indicated higher cation selectivity in the ileum than in the jejunum. 5. The calculated contribution of a free‐solution path to total paracellular permeability is 55% in the jejunum but only 15% in the ileum. 6. No ‘streaming’ potential was detected during osmotic water flow, suggesting that the cation‐selectivity of the channels is temporarily inactivated during dilatation of the lateral intercellular space.