A study on the buffering activity of the human rectum. In vivo demonstration of HCO3- and H+ secretion after rectal application of fluids with an unphysiological pH.

The buffering activity of the human rectum was evaluated in various pilot studies, using a rectal lumen perfusion method. Quantitative alkaline and acid secretion was measured, respectively, by direct titration according to the pH-stat method. The change in composition of the perfusate with regard to the test drug benzoate and the concentration HCO3- was detected. The pilot studies suggest that rectal mucosa is capable of neutralizing a pH deviating from the physiological value within a remarkably short time. In the acid region, at least a part of the alkalizing activity is the result of HCO3- secretion. It has been shown that this process is stimulated by the H+ as well as Cl- ions. In the basic region neutralization very likely occurs by means of H+ secretion.