[Development of the duodenal glands in rats on a high cellulose diet]

Wistar weaned rats were kept on cellulose-rich diet for 3 months. They revealed the duodenal gland area of increased length, as compared to the control group kept on standard pellets. Glandular-duodenal index, that is a relative indication of gland development, also rose. Cellulose-fed rats showed a lower pH of the stomach contents. The correlation between pH and gland development has been established. Possible reasons for a more intensive gland enlargement in herbivorous animals are being discussed.