Further evidence for a glucose‐activated secretory mechanism in the jejunum of the cat

The present study was undertaken to further test the hypothesis of a glucose-induced secretory mechanism in the jejunum of the cat (Sj ovall et al. 1983 b). The experimental design was based on the sodium dependence of active glucose uptake from the intestinal lumen. The rate of glucose uptake from a sodium-free and a sodium-containing perfusate was compared and we also investigated the effect of splanchnic nerve stimulation (SNS) on glucose absorption. The results revealed no difference in "resting" glucose uptake between the two groups. Glucose uptake from the sodium-free solution decreased on SNS whereas no such effect was seen in the sodium-containing segments. These findings can be explained by an SNS evoked inhibition of the glucose induced secretion of sodium from the crypts, which will be rate limiting for glucose uptake when no sodium is present in the perfusate. The findings are thus consistent with the concept of a glucose activated sodium secretion. Data are also presented which indicate that this secretory response is mediated by the enteric nervous system.