Transfer of Cupric Sulfate across Rat Small Intestine, in Vitro and Effect of Chelating Agents on It's Transfer

The transfer of cupric sulfate across the rat small intestine in vitro was studied by perfusion method using the segments of everted rat small intestine. Copper transport was approximately propotional to the metal concentration in the mucosal solution and no difference was observed in the metal transport among rat duodenum, jejunum and ileum. It was suggested from these results that copper transport across the rat small intestine would occur by passive diffusion. The effect of various chelating agents on copper transport across the rat small intestine n vitro and its uptake by the intestine were also studied. Copper transport was greatly enhanced in the presence of EDTA and NTA. Copper uptake decreased to a greater extent in the presence of EPTA and NTA.