Abstract
High intraluminal osmolarity has been postulated in the pathogenesis of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We examined the intestinal fluid response (volume of fluid per length of intestine) in seven weanling rabbits by injecting one ml. of various solutions into isolated intestinal loops. The solutions were 50% dextrose, vitamin E liquid, placebo for vitamin E, 100 nanograms of cholera toxin, normal saline, 10% calcium gluconate and sterile water. The osmolarity of each solution was determined prior to its injection and at four hours from loops with an adequate fluid response. The dextrose and cholera toxin provoked a significant intestinal fluid response. Although the osmolarity of the vitamin E solution and p3.acebo were high, no fluid response was measured. Calcium gluconate provoked a fluid response although it is approximately isomolar. We conclude that, osmolarity alone does not determine the intestinal fluid response. Intraluminal calcium may predispose the intestine to distention and may be involved in the etiology of NEC.
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Clark, D., Dweck, H. 1366 FLUID RESPONSE TO OSMOTIC AGENTS IN THE RABBIT INTESTINAL LOOP. Pediatr Res 19, 338 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01390
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01390