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Functional changes with feeding in the gastro-intestinal epithelia of the Burmese python (Python molurus).

Cécile Helmstetter1, Nathalie Reix, Mathieu T'Flachebba

  • 1CNRS, Département d'Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie, 23 rue Becquerel, F-67087 Strasbourg cedex 2, France.

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Summary

Burmese pythons exhibit remarkable digestive system plasticity, rapidly upregulating cellular functions and key enzymes like the sodium pump after feeding. This adaptability prepares them for future fasting and feeding cycles.

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Area of Science:

  • Comparative physiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Cellular biology

Background:

  • The digestive system of reptiles, particularly large constrictors like Burmese pythons, undergoes significant morphological and functional changes between fasting and feeding states.
  • Understanding the regulation of digestive enzymes and cellular transport mechanisms is crucial for comprehending reptilian adaptation to intermittent feeding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the morphological adaptations of the Burmese python's digestive system during fasting and refeeding.
  • To determine the localization and regulation of proton (H(+), K(+)-ATPase) and sodium (Na(+), K(+)-ATPase) pumps in gastric and intestinal cells.
  • To elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying rapid gastrointestinal upregulation post-feeding.

Main Methods:

  • Histological examination of gastric and intestinal tissues from fasting and refed pythons.
  • Immunohistochemical localization of H(+), K(+)-ATPase and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase pumps.
  • Morphological analysis of oxyntopeptic cells and enterocytes.

Main Results:

  • Fasting pythons show inactive oxyntopeptic cells with a prominent tubulovesicular system; these cells become active post-feeding, returning to inactivity within 3 days.
  • The proton pump is present in both active and inactive states, sequestered or along apical digitations, respectively.
  • The sodium pump is upregulated in fed animals, located on basolateral membranes of gastric cells and lateral membranes of intestinal enterocytes.
  • Intestinal solute transport primarily occurs apically and across lateral spaces, while absorbed fats traverse the entire cell height.

Conclusions:

  • The Burmese python's gastrointestinal system demonstrates rapid, inexpensive cellular upregulation post-feeding, involving passive mechanisms and enzyme synthesis (e.g., sodium pump).
  • Cellular plasticity allows for anticipation of subsequent fasting and feeding periods, highlighting efficient energy management in these apex predators.
  • The distinct localization of ion pumps facilitates specific roles in nutrient absorption and solute transport within the python's digestive tract.