ABSORPTION OF SUGARS IN VITRO BY THE INTESTINE OF THE GOLDEN HAMSTER

Abstract

SUMMARY 1. When fructose is placed on the mucosal side of hamster intestine in titro, some of the sugar is converted to glucose which appears predomi- nantly on the serosal side. This conversion is completely inhibited anaero- bically, while the movement of free fructose across the wall increases. Evi- dence is presented which suggests that the movement of free fructose is by passive diffusion. 2. Galactose is absorbed rapidly against a concentration gradient in this preparation and this absorption is completely inhibited anaerobically. 3. Glucose, galactose, and 3-methylglucose were the only sugars which were absorbed against a concentration gradient among those tested (fruc- tose, sorbose, mannose, arabinose, xylose, and ribose). 4. Sucrose, maltose, lactose, and starch were added to the mucosal side of the intestine and the rate of hydrolysis, as well as the rate of absorption of the split products, was studied. Thanks are due to Dr. S. H. Jaros of the Ayerst Laboratories (Division of American Home Products Corporation), New York, for a sample of 3-methylglucose.