Changes in pH and levels of B-glucosidase, B-glucuronidase and reducing activity as food residue passes along the mouse colon

Abstract

The contents were collected from successive regions of the colon of Swiss mice. Ana(vses show that the pH rises by about 0.55 pH units between the cecum and the distal colon. The level of p-glucuronidase falls sharply, typically 2 to 3 fold;, as food residue leaves the cecum. This is followed by a large rise in the distal c%n, mvund 1.6 to 4 fold, about half of 1vhich is due to the concentrating ejlect caused by loss of water. lvleasurements were also made of nonspecific reducing activity, the level of which rises by about 74% along the colon mainly because of water loss. For each of the above parameters similar results were observed using old and young mice and with diets high and low in fat. Studies indicated that the reducing activity is nonenzymic.