RESUMO
In order to investigate the in vivo effect of alcohol on intestinal absorption and on other factors which influence the rate of appearance of nutrients into the portal venous system, an experimental system has been developed in which separate cannulas have been implanted in the duodenum and portal vein of the rat. Following recovery from surgical procedures, unanesthetized animals may be administered nutrients directly into the duodenum, with and without alcohol, and the rate of appearance of nutrients in the portal system may be monitored by rapid sampling of the portal blood. Potential applicability of this experimental animal is demonstrated by the kinetics obtained with an amino acid, L-phenylalanine, both in the presence and the absence of alcohol.
