Abstract
We have studied the effect of fasting on $Na^+$, $K^{+}-ATPase$ activities in the rat intestinal mucosa. Rats were fasted for $18{\sim}48hr$. Intestinal microsomal fraction was prepared by the method of Robinson and ATPase activities were determined by the modified method of Fiske and Subbarow. $Na^+$, $K^{+}-ATPase$ activity was not changed after fasting for 18 and 24 hr but significantly decreased after fasting for 48 hr. Fasting over 18 to 48 hr period had no effect on the $Mg^{++}-ATPase$. Thus, it may be concluded that 48 hr fasting has inhibitory effect on rat intestinal absorptive capabilities. In order to study the effect of Ginseng on the $Na^+$, $K^{+}-ATPase$ activities of the small intestine in chronic $K^{+}-depleted$ rats, rats were fed $K^{+}-depleted$ diets for 3 weeks and Ginseng ethanol extracts were administered orally for 3 weeks concomitantly. ATPase activity was measured by the same method as fasting group. $Na^+$, $K^{+}-ATPase$ activity in the $K^{+}-depleted$ diet group was increased and Ginseng ethanol extracts inhibited the increase of enzyme activity induced by $K^{+}-depleted$ diet. Thus, it may be suggested that increase in the intestinal $Na^+$, $K^{+}-ATPase$ activity of chronic $K^{+}-depleted$ group may be due to the compensatory mechanism and administration of Ginseng with $K^{+}-depleted$ diet may be associated with inhibition of increase in the enzyme activity of the $K^{+}-depleted$ group due to the prevention of the $K^+$ loss in the $K^{+}-depletion$.