Cyclic changes in the osmolality and electrolyte composition in the gastrointestinal tract of the rock hyrax.
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Date
1978-06Author
Clemens, ET
Maloiy, GMO
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The rock hyrax has been shown to have a very unusual
and complex digestive tract. The gastrointestinal tract is comparable to
that of the simple and complex stomach of mammals as well as to that of
birds. Determinations of osmolality and electrolytes have been made in
different sections of the gut of the hyrax. However, with the exception of
the elevated potassium levels observed in the cranial stomach, the hyrax
poses no unusual osmotic or electrolyte concentrations when compared to
man or other mammals. The greater cation concentration and hypertonicity
of the cranial stomach was largely accounted for by the elevated
potassium load in this gut segment. Sodium and potassium comprised the
major cations present throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Chloride was
the major anión observed in the foregut; however, the electroneutrality of
the mid and hindgut of the hyrax was primarily maintained by the presence
of large concentrations of volatile fatty acids produced in these portions
of the gut. Volatile fatty acids also accounted for the high anión concen
tration and hypertonicity of the cranial stomach. J. Nutr. 108: 988-
993, 1978.
Citation
The Journal of nutrition. 108(6):988-93.Publisher
Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi
Description
Journal article