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Enhanced intestinal glucose and alanine transport in cystic fibrosis

P Baxter1, J Goldhill, J Hardcastle

  • 1Department of Biomedical Science, The University, Sheffield.

Gut
|July 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Active nutrient transport, including glucose and alanine, is enhanced in children with cystic fibrosis. This suggests a potential mechanism for nutrient malabsorption in the condition.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Cellular Physiology

Background:

  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, including the intestines.
  • Nutrient malabsorption is a common complication in children with CF.
  • The role of active nutrient transport in CF-related intestinal dysfunction requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate active sodium-linked nutrient transport in intestinal tissues from children with cystic fibrosis.
  • To compare glucose and alanine transport rates in CF and control intestinal samples.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of short-circuit current in intestinal biopsy samples.
  • Assessment of glucose and alanine-induced increases in short-circuit current across a range of concentrations (2.5-35 mM).

Main Results:

  • Intestinal tissues from children with cystic fibrosis exhibited a greater glucose-induced increase in short-circuit current compared to controls.
  • This enhanced response indicates an increased maximum transport rate for glucose.
  • Similar enhancements were observed for alanine transport, suggesting a broader effect on active nutrient uptake.

Conclusions:

  • Active sodium-linked nutrient transport, specifically for glucose and alanine, appears to be enhanced in the intestines of children with cystic fibrosis.
  • This heightened transport capacity may represent an adaptive response or a contributing factor to the pathophysiology of CF.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the implications of enhanced nutrient transport in CF gastrointestinal complications.

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