image: Molecular models of two coupled co-transporters. On the left -- mechanism of common mobile transporter for glucose and Na+. On the right -- mechanism of common channel for glucose and Na+. view more
Credit: Sergey T. Metelsky
The major focus of the book is on studies using the short circuit current (SCC) technique. The technique was developed in the 1940's, and it remains the method of choice for whole tissue studies, as well as studies of substances across monolayer's of cultured cells.
Different aspects of the procedure, such as experimental chamber design and tissue complexity are discussed. A method, called the single response SCC, is described for estimating the thickness of the unstirred layer, and results from SCC studies are compensated for unstirred layer effects.
Following the overview of trans-epithelial transport and description of SCC, the subsequent chapters are concerned with the molecular mechanisms of the transport of water, sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides), amino acids and dipeptides. Finally, the later chapters review the studies on topics such as the effects of aging, intestinal absorption at satiety, fasting refeeding, clinical study of absorption and membrane digestion, and use of SCC on ischemic diseases of the digestive tract.
Praise for this book:
"This book is devoted to a comprehensive consideration of the molecular transport mechanism of various substances (nutrients, water, ions etc.) through the enterocyte brush border membrane of the small intestine. In fact this goes beyond the existing monographs dwelling on the physiology of absorption and digestion. Detailed and extensive
studies performed by the author have served to significantly expand and refine our understanding of the problems considered in the book, thus building an effective link between physiology and a clinical study of digestion."
Professor O. Gazenko (R.I.P.), former President of the Russian Physiological Society
"Publication of this book devoted to pioneer research has made apparent that S. Metelsky, a disciple of A. Ugolev, is now a leading expert on the physiology of digestion and absorption, and in the physiology of nutrition all over the Former Soviet Union. I believe his monograph will render a big impact not only on gastroenterology and physiology, but also on other sciences."
V. Ivashkin, President of the Russian Gastroenterological Association
"Due to his thorough and scrupulous theoretical and experimental analysis. S. Metelsky manages to transform the known electrophysiological techniques of Ussing into a modern powerful and novel research method that will probably gain popularity and become widely used. It is precisely this research that has led to a better understanding of transport processes pathology in intestinal mucosa."
Professor A. Kubatiev, President of the Russian Pathophysiological Society.
Published by Pensoft Publishers. More details at: http://www.pensoft.net/book/12481/transport-phenomena-and-membrane-digestion-in-small-intestinal-mucosa