Abstract

The effect of cystic fibrosis plasma on the net fluxes of 45Ca2+ and 35SO42- across the guinea-pig stomach and small intestine was investigated, using an automatic short-circuit current apparatus. A significant increase in net fluxes across the stomach and small intestine for 45Ca2+ in the presence of cystic fibrosis plasma compared with non-cystic fibrosis plasma was observed. There was an increase in net flux for 35SO42- across the stomach in the presence of cystic fibrosis plasma when compared with non-cystic fibrosis plasma. However, there was a more highly significant increase in net fluxes for 35SO42- across the small intestine in the presence of cystic fibrosis plasma when compared with non-cystic fibrosis plasma. The amount of 45Ca2+ activity retained by the stomach and small intestine is more highly significant in the presence of cystic fibrosis plasma than in the presence of non-cystic fibrosis plasma. The retention of 35SO42- activity by the stomach and small intestine in the presence of cystic fibrosis plasma when compared with non-cystic fibrosis plasma was also highly significant. These findings indicate that cystic fibrosis plasma increases the net fluxes and raises retention of 45Ca2+ and 35SO42- in guinea-pig stomach and small intestine.