Conjugation of 1-naphthol and transport of 1-naphthol-conjugates in the vascularly perfused small intestine of the mouse

A method is described which allows the simultaneous vascular and luminal perfusion of the murine small intestine. This preparation was used for the investigation of 1-naphthol conjugation in the gut and the sidedness of conjugate release. The viability of this preparation can be maintained for more than 1 hr as indicated by morphological controls, measurement of tissue metabolism and the transport of 3-O-methyl-glucose against a concentration gradient. When 100 μM 1-naphthol was administered on the luminal side, it was conjugated at a constant rate, yielding 1-naphthyl-glucuronide and 1-naphthyl-sulfate in a molar ratio of 1:2. Both metabolites were excreted into the blood at the contraluminal side of the epithelium. The results are discussed with respect to the sidedness of intestinal transport systems for anionic conjugates of xenobiotics and drugs.