Effect of DDE on ionic and fluid movement in rat colon in vitro.

1. The effect of DDE on ionic (Na+ and K+) and fluid movement was studied in rat colon in vitro. 2. DDE (10(-7) M) increased net K+ secretion while inhibited the net flux of Na+ and fluid movement inducing net secretion. 3. DDE added before or after aldosterone caused an inhibition on the net influx of Na+ and fluid movement and potassium secretion. 4. DDE also inhibited (Na+ and K+)-ATPase from the same tissue suggesting that the inhibition of DDE is due to an action of this organochlorine compound on the sodium pump.