The competition of molybdate and sulphate ions for a transport system in the ovine small intestine.

The transport of molybdate and sulphate by segments of ovine small intestine in vitro was examined and kinetic constants derived for the late ileum where transport was highest. Sulphate inhibited the uptake of molybdate, probably by competition for sites on a common transport system. The significance of the results with respect to the problem of molybdate toxicity in animals is discussed, and related to the known protective effect of sulphate.