As will be shown in a later chapter, a secretion of fluid into the lumen of isolated loops of intestine removed from the body may be produced by immersing the loops, with their ends tied, in solutions of various saline purgatives. In m/8 solutions of NaCl, Na2SO4, and sodium citrate no secretion was obtained in these loops. In m/2 solution of these salts, however, a distinct measurable quantity was regularly produced; m/8 solutions of NaF brought about a secretion, and in all solutions containing BaCl2 a distinct secretion of fluid was obtained. This will be described in detail later on.
As stated above, Bottazzi has found that an extract of the small intestine, which increases the secretion of pancreatic juice, is capable also when injected intravenously of increasing not only the secretory activity of the intestine, but also its peristalsis.
As stated in detail in another chapter, the secretion of fluid into the intestine, as well as the peristaltic movements, is inhibited by the administration of calcium or magnesium chloride. This is illustrated by the following experiments:—
1. Rabbit. Loop 23 cm. long.
| Loop contained in beginning | 0.9 c.c. |
| Fluid secreted during 1st 10 minutes | 0.7 c.c. |
| Fluid secreted during 2d 10 minutes | 0.6 c.c. |
2 c.c. m/8 CaCl2 applied locally.
| Fluid secreted during 1st 10 minutes | 0.15 c.c. |
| Fluid secreted during 2d 10 minutes | 0.0 c.c. |
| Fluid secreted during 3d 10 minutes | 0.0 c.c. |
4 c.c. m/8 sodium citrate applied locally.
| Fluid secreted during 1st 10 minutes | 0.4 c.c. |
| Fluid secreted during 2d 10 minutes | 0.2 c.c. |
2. Rabbit. Loop 25 cm. long.