The secretion of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) from the enterocyte.

Rat intestinal alkaline phosphatase exists in two separate forms, differing markedly in the carboxyterminal coding region, as well as in the 3' untranslated regions. It is secreted bound to a phospholipid-rich particle (surfactant-like particle) which appears to have unique properties, but whose role is still uncertain. Evidence is presented to suggest that intestinal alkaline phosphatase secretion is mediated by this particle. The challenge for the future is to study the biology of the surfactant-like particle, to ascertain its role in gut physiology, and to determine how the dual alkaline phosphatases are involved in this specialized secretory apparatus.