SUMMARY The effect of aspirin on small intestinal function in six healthy volunteers was examined using a segmental perfusion technique, with a test solution of 40 mM D-glucose, 140 mM NaCl, and 0*5 % polyethylene glycol. Jejunal glucose, sodium, and water absorption rates were inhibited by 50 % after oral administration of 2-6 g aspirin. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration was assayed in jejunal mucosal biopsies before and after aspirin. There was an almost 50 %g decrease in mucosal ATP levels after aspirin. This effect may be mediated through cellular injury and impairment of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Received for publication 6 October 1976 homeostasis is influenced by the rate of intestinal glucose absorption, it may be asked whether salicylates affect glucose levels by impairing glucose transport. Although the effect of aspirin on gastric mucosal structure and function has been studied extensively, there is very little information regarding the effect of aspirin on small intestinal function. Aspirin is absorbed from the stomach, as well as from the mucosa of the upper small intestine. The rate of absorption depends on the amount of nonionised drug and its lipid solubility. Because of the low intragastric pH, aspirin is absorbed rapidly from the gastric mucosa in the nonionised form. However, an appreciable amount is also absorbed from the jejunum, since the intraluminal pH in proximal jejunum may be as low as 5 0-5 5, and approximately 10% aspirin would be still in a nonionised form, suitable for absorption (Woodbury, 1970). The large jejunal absorptive surface and the intestinal blood flow are also important factors which would influence aspirin absorption rates. Contact of aspirin with the brush border may have an effect on intestinal transport of nutrients predominantly absorbed from the jejunum.The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a therapeutic dose of aspirin on jejunal absorption of glucose, sodium, and water. In addition, the effect of aspirin on ATP levels in jejunal biopsies was determined, since glucose and sodium transport depend on high energy compounds such as ATP. 187 on 11 May 2018 by guest. Protected by copyright.