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Published on: May 5, 2022
The gastrointestinal tract as a nutrient-balancing organ
Fiona J Clissold1, Benjamin J Tedder, Arthur D Conigrave
1The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia. fiona.clissold@bio.usyd.edu.au
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|February 5, 2010
Summary
Locusts demonstrate that the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) actively rebalances nutrient intake. This involves differential enzyme release to maintain nutrient balance when dietary intake is limited.
Area of Science:
- Animal Physiology
- Nutritional Ecology
- Insect Biology
Background:
- Nutrient balance is crucial for fitness, but challenging in limited environments.
- Post-ingestive mechanisms are necessary for rebalancing imbalanced nutrient intake.
- The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a potential site for early nutrient rebalancing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if compensatory nutrient rebalancing occurs within the GIT.
- To determine if differential digestive enzyme release aids nutrient homeostasis.
- To link GIT plasticity to nutrient balance maintenance in insect herbivores.
Main Methods:
- Studied nutrient rebalancing in the insect herbivore, the locust.
- Analyzed differential release of proteases and carbohydrases.
- Assessed macronutrient extraction from host plants based on nutritional state.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated compensatory post-ingestive nutrient rebalancing within the GIT for the first time.
- Showed differential release of digestive enzymes (proteases, carbohydrases) in response to nutritional status.
- Linked enzyme release to differential extraction of macronutrients from food.
Conclusions:
- The GIT plays an active role in maintaining nutrient homeostasis.
- GIT plasticity is essential for rebalancing nutrient intake, not just maximizing nutrient gain.
- Findings challenge the prevailing view of GIT function, highlighting its role in nutrient balance.
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