Jejunal absorptive function was evaluated following small intestinal transplantation to determine the effects of extrinsic denervation. In particular, water and sodium absorption were measured following transplantation (denervated) and compared to a control group (Thiry-Vella). Water flow was initially secretory two days after transplantation (-41 +/- 27 microliters/min/g dry tissue weight) but became absorptive at day 8 (25 +/- 25). Water flow in the Thiry-Vella group was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the transplant group at days 8 (17 +/- 7) and 10 (47 +/- 42). Sodium flows were also initially secretory in the transplant group and became absorptive. This study refutes previous claims that small bowel transplants have a deficiency of water absorption due to extrinsic denervation of the bowel and suggests normal absorptive function of water, electrolytes, and protein.