Proximal–distal absorptive gradients in the in vivo intestine of normal and infected (Hymenolepis diminuta: Cestoda) rats

Abstract

Using a single-pass perfusion technique, H2O, Na+, Cl-, HCO3-, and glucose absorption were studied in the jejunum and proximal and distal ileum of rats either uninfected or infected with a tapeworm parasite (Hymenolepis diminuta). The effect of parasitization, region of the intestine, type of buffer, and concentration of glucose in the perfusion fluids on the transport data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate techniques. Proximal-distal flux gradients were observed for water and all the solute species studied, as well as for glucose- and bicarbonate-stimulated salt and water transport; there was a decreasing sensitivity to low pH proceeding distally. The major regional differences occurred between the proximal and distal ileum, with the fluxes in the jejunum being similar to those in the proximal ileum. Na+, H2O, and glucose transport decreased, while Cl- absorption increased, proceeding distally. The parasites diminished the rates of absorption of glucose, salt, and water, and altered the flux gradients, particularly the Na+ and HCO3- transport gradients. The differences in the gradients between control and infected animals were related to differential sensitivity of the different transport systems in the various regions of the gut to parasitism.

Vitamin absorption in thein vivointestine of normal and infected (Hymenolepis diminuta: Cestoda) rats

“…Rivier (1973) reported that although riboflavin uptake was related to the presence of Na+, it was the flux of water following the actively transported Na+ which was responsible for riboflavin uptake. The increased riboflavin uptake per unit water flux in parasitized animals is in agreement with the hypothesis that the worms had not affected the active transport component of riboflavin transport whereas they had decreased Na+ and water transport (Podesta and Mettrick, 1977) resulting in inhibition of the passive component of riboflavin uptake.…”

Changes of enzymatic antioxidant system in the small intestine of rats after the chronic invasion by Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda, Hymenolepididae)

“…After 32 days since invasion, mastocytosis, or increased number of mast cells, was observed in mucous membrane of intestine, as well as hypertrophy of smooth muscle layer (Dwinell et al, 1994;1997;1998). These changes were HELMINTHOLOGIA, 49, 4: 233 -240, 2012 Changes of enzymatic antioxidant system in the small intestine of rats after the chronic invasion by Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda, Hymenolepididae) noted in all parts of alimentary tract, which is connected with relatively large dimensions of the parasite and its migration through the intestine in circadian cycle, in response to food ingestion by the host (Podesta & Mettrick, 1977). In spite of that, invaded rats live long and tapeworms, in the case of invasions not leading to overpopulation, remain in the intestines of the rat until its death, what may prove mutual adaptation in the setting parasite-host.…”