Inhibition of short-circuit current in rat ileum by aliphatic alcohols

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1984 · Am. J. Physiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5742421

Fernandez, Y; Desjeux, J F; Dumontier, A M; Mitjavila, S

The importance of the hydrophobic nature of the membrane in certain functions of the intestinal epithelium was investigated by determining the variations in short-circuit current (I/sub sc/), potential difference (PD), and conductance (G) in rat ileum in the presence of the first eight alcohols in the n-aliphatic series. At the lowest alcohol concentrations and in the presence of Ringer-galactose, there was transitory stimulation of I/sub sc/ and PD that did not occur in the presence of theophylline or in the absence of chloride. With or without theophylline all the alcohols tested inhibited I/sub sc/ and PD and slightly increased G as a function of their concentration. The modifications in I/sub sc/ were attributed to the inhibition of active sodium transport. These results demonstrate a linear relation between the logarithm of the concentrations causing 50% inhibition of I/sub sc/ and the chain length of the alcohols. The variations in free energy required to transfer one -CH/sub 2/- to the site at which the alcohols exert their activity were, respectively, -582 and -589 cal in the presence and absence of theophylline. These values show that the observed modifications in free energy are due to solublization of the alcohols in a very hydrophobic zone of the tissue, confirming that the functional activities measured are dependent on the hydrophobicity of the membrane.

• Research Organization: Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, Toulouse, France
• OSTI ID: 5742421
• Journal Information: Am. J. Physiol.; (United States), Vol. 247:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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