Replacement of digestible wheat starch by resistant cornstarch alters splanchnic metabolism in rats

Splanchnic metabolism was investigated in rats fed either a diet containing highly digestible wheat starch (DS diet) or amylase-resistant cornstarch (RS diet). In rats fed the latter diet, there was a considerable enlargement of the cecum and an increase in the production and absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA), chiefly acetic and propionic acids. As a result, the major substrates absorbed from the digestive tract were glucose in rats fed the DS diet and both glucose and VFA in rats fed the RS diet. The liver removed about one-third of the absorbed glucose in rats fed the DS diet, whereas there was a slight release of glucose by the liver in rats fed the RS diet. Plasma insulin was higher in rats fed the DS diet, and there were smaller fluctuations of plasma insulin and liver glycogen between the fed and postabsorptive periods in rats adapted to the RS diet. In these animals, propionate was the major VFA taken up by the liver and approximately 50% of absorbed acetate was also removed by the liver. During the postabsorptive period, there was still a substantial contribution of VFA, especially propionate, to liver metabolism. A depressive effect of the RS diet on plasma triglycerides, cholesterol and free fatty acids was observed only during the postabsorptive period. Replacement of a large part of absorbed glucose by VFA apparently allows time for absorption of energy fuels to be extended and dampens the fluctuations of glucose metabolism during the light: dark cycle.