The jejunum is the segment of the small intestine responsible for several 
metabolism and biotransformation functions. In this report, we have cultured rat 
jejunum explants in vitro and integrated them with hepatocyte cultures. We have 
also investigated the changes in jejunum function at different locations since 
spatial variations in intestinal functions have been reported previously. We 
divided the length of the rat jejunum into three distinct regions of 
approximately 9 cm each. We defined the regions as proximal (adjacent to the 
duodenum), medial, and distal (adjacent to the ileum). Spatiotemporal variations 
in functions were observed between these regions within the jejunum. Alkaline 
phosphatase activity (a marker of enterocyte function), decreased twofold 
between the proximal and distal regions at 4 hr. Lysozyme activity (a marker of 
Paneth cell function) increased from the proximal to the distal jejunum by 40% 
at 24 hr. Mucin-covered areas, a marker of goblet cell function, increased by 
twofold between the proximal and distal segments of the jejunum at 24 hr. When 
hepatocytes were integrated with proximal jejunum explants, statistically higher 
urea (~2.4-fold) and mucin (57%) production were observed in the jejunum 
explants. The integrated intestine-liver cultures can be used as a platform for 
future investigations.