Absorption of D(+)-xylose, cobalamin, and folic acid after autologic-allotopic ileummucosa transplantation in beagles

Abstract

Background/purpose Ileummucosa transplantation in a demucosed coloncoat was developed as a new method for small bowel elongation. In an animal model, the authors investigated the absorptive capacity of the transplanted mucosa for D(+)-xylose, cobalamin (vitamin B12), and folic acid. Methods Ileummucosa was transplanted in a vascularized demucosed segment of transverse colon in 18 beagle dogs. The coloncoat-ileummucosa complex then was integrated in the ileal continuity. Absorptive capacity for D(+)-xylose, cobalamin, and folic acid was measured before and 4 weeks after transplantation. The results were compared and analyzed with the Students' t test for matched pairs. All determined blood values with P values less than .05 were considered to show a significant reduction in the absorptive capacity of the transplanted ileummucosa. Results Fifteen minutes after application there was no significant difference in the absorption of D(+)-Xylose and cobalamin between normal and transplanted ileummucosa (P > .1). Absorption of folic acid in the transplanted segment was lower but not significant (P .1), whereas folic acid continued with the tendency toward an impaired absorption (P .1), whereas folic acid continued with the tendency toward an impaired absorption (P .1), whereas folic acid continued with the tendency toward an impaired absorption (P .1). Conclusions Experimental autologic-allotopic ileummucosa transplantation is a feasible new method for small bowel elongation in an animal model. Examination of the absorptive capacity of the transplanted ileummucosa showed a normal uptake for cobalamin, while there was an impaired absorption of D(+)-xylose and folic acid. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.