Adaptation in Monosaccharide Absorption in Infant and Adult Rats

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Abstract
The influence of carbohydrate intake on the ontogeny of intestinal monosaccharide transport in the rat was examined. Nutritionally adequate, carbohydrate-free or 60% glucose diets were provided to litters of rats starting 10 days following parturition. Absorptive rates for glucose were determined in the young animals and adults (mothers) following stomach loading after 8 to 18 weeks. Intestinal transport rates for monosaccharides were sensitive to the presence of dietary carbohydrate. Rate of glucose and galactose absorption in all animals fed the carbohydrate-free diets was 75% of that in animals fed high glucose intakes. Similar differences in absorptive rates in young animals were also present in isolated intestinal loops in situ. In young animals glucose absorptive rates increased to greater than control levels promptly, following addition of glucose to the carbohydrate-free diet.