Absorption profiles for polyethylene glycols after regional jejunal perfusion and oral load in healthy humans.

The study aimed at applying closed segmental intestinal perfusion with a multichannel tube (Loc-I-Gut) for studies of regional small bowel permeability to different-sized polyethylene glycols and to compare jejunal absorption with absorption after oral load in healthy subjects. Intestinal perfusion was performed in 10 healthy volunteers and recovery of (14)C-labeled polyethylene glycol 4000 was used to detect leakage. Absorption of polyethylene glycols 546-942 was measured as urinary recovery after perfusion and oral load, and as disappearance from the lumen during steady-state perfusion. Steady-state conditions were obtained during the second hour of perfusion. Absorption of polyethylene glycols during perfusion was size-selective for molecular weights 546-766, but not for 810-942. After oral load, absorption was size-selective throughout 546-942. Segmental perfusion with Loc-I-Gut may be used to study regional jejunal permeability. Our data support the hypothesis of a dual pore system for absorption of hydrophilic molecules in the human jejunum.