Abstract
Summary
Segments of the jejunum and ileum of 14-15-day-old and 42-day-old rats were perfused in situ with isotonic or hypertonic calcium free solutions. There was net secretion of calcium in all segments perfused. Rates of net secretion of calcium were several fold and significantly greater in segments of the 14- to 15-day-old than in corresponding segments of the 42-day-old rats. In the 14- to 15-day-old rats net secretion of calcium was similar in jejunal and ileal segments, while in the 42-day-old rats net secretion was twofold greater in the ileal than jejunal segments. Perfusion of the hypertonic solution almost doubled net secretion of calcium in the jejunal segments at both ages, but had no effect on rate secretion of calcium in the ileal segments. These findings suggest that infants are more prone to lose calcium into the lumen of the intestine than adults, especially during episodes of osmotic diarrhea when oral intake is restricted acutely.
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