Effect of maternal protein deprivation on in vitro neonatal intestinal function in rats

Pregnant rats were fed a 27% (normal) protein diet or an 8% (low) protein diet. The in vitro absorptive capacity of the small intestine of the 2-day-old offspring of these animals was studied. The intracellular accumulations of a prototype amino acid (L-leucine) and sugar (D-galactose) were measured at initial velocity. The offspring of females fed the 8% (low) protein diet demonstrated a 32% decrease in the intracellular accumulation of leucine and a 19% decrease in the intracellular accumulation of galactose. The results are suggestive of a decrease in available transport sites in the offspring of protein-deprived females.