Regional permeability differences between the proximal and distal portions of the isolated salmonid posterior intestine

The objective of this study was to assess regional variations in the permeability of the salmon posterior intestine and to evaluate the effect of permeability enhancers as a basis for oral delivery of biologically active peptides. Proximal and distal portions of the posterior intestine of the chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were removed, mounted as flat sheets in Ussing chambers and superfused with trout Ringer's. Intestinal permeability was assessed under short-circuit conditions by measurement of 14C-mannitol (mucosal to serosal) flux. Tissues were treated either with the mucolytic agent dithiothreitol (10 mmol · l−1), the permeability enhancer sodium deoxycholate (5.0 mmol · l−1) or both and compared to untreated controls. Both proximal and distal control tissues had low permeabilities, but the distal region had a lower transepithelial electrical resistance and produced significantly less mucus. Treatment with either dithiothreitol or sodium deoxycholate alone reduced mucus adhering to tissue in both regions but did not increase permeability or change transepithelial electrical resistance. In the distal region, sequential treatment with both agents significantly reduced adhering mucus, decreased transepithelial electrical resistance, and increased tissue permeability. The salmon posterior intestine can be divided into proximal and distal regions. The distal region is more likely to have the necessary permeability and responsiveness to enhancement for the successful delivery of peptides or polar drugs.