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

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 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), Journal Name: Am. J. Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 247:5; ISSN AJPHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ABSORPTION
ALCOHOLS
ALKALI METALS
ANIMAL TISSUES
BODY
CELL CONSTITUENTS
CELL MEMBRANES
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
ELECTROLYTES
ELEMENTS
ENERGY TRANSFER
EPITHELIUM
ETHANOL
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INHIBITION
INTESTINAL ABSORPTION
INTESTINES
MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
MEMBRANES
METALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
SMALL INTESTINE
SODIUM
TISSUES
UPTAKE