Permeability of the salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) posterior intestine in vivo to two hydrophilic markers

Abstract

This study characterised the permeability of the salmonid posterior intestine in vivo, to two hydrophilic markers of different molecular weight, both in the presence and absence of sodium deoxycholate (SDA), and determined the influence of mucosal secretions. The posterior intestine of chinook salmon was cannulated with a balloon catheter and the lumen infused with a solution of fluorescein and ¹⁴C-mannitol. In treated fish, the solution also contained 5.0 mmol · l⁻¹ SDA. Blood samples from the dorsal aorta were taken at regular time intervals over 3 h. Clearances and volumes of distribution were assessed by intravenous administration of the markers to another group of fish. In the absence of SDA, low permeabilities were recorded for both markers; however, permeabilities for both were significantly greater in the treated groups. Both solutes had volumes of distribution similar to values reported elsewhere. Metabolism of fluorescein by the liver resulted in its plasma clearance. In contrast, elimination of mannitol was negligible during the study period, probably due to the lowered glomerular filtration rates observed in sea water adapted fish. Compared to in vitro investigations, in vivo mucus secretions were significantly lower and solute delivery across the epithelium was higher. Results from these in vivo investigations have implications for the oral delivery of peptides to salmonids.