[Carbohydrate hydrolysis, transport and utilization during limited motor activity in rats]

Carbohydrate hydrolysis, transport and utilization were investigated in rats exposed to diminished motor activity for 90 days. Glycemic curves were examined using provocative tests with equivalent quantities (1.5 g/kg body weight) of poly-, oligo- and monosaccharides (starch, maltose, glucose). Simultaneously, carbohydrases were measured in the homogenates of the pancreas, duodenal mucosa and small intestine as well as radioimmune insulin and glucagon were determined in blood. In the course of hypokinesia carbohydrate hydrolysis, transport and utilization varied in a different manner. At the beginning of exposure the activity of carbohydrases responsible for carbohydrate hydrolysis in the cavity and membranes increased which was accompanied by hyperglycemia and rapid utilization of carbohydrates. This is associated with nonspecific reactions to hypokinesia and higher requirements of the body for the energy substrate. By hypokinesia day 30 carbohydrate hydrolysis and transport were inhibited, hypoglycemia developed but glucose utilization remained unchanged. At a later stage of exposure the system of carbohydrate hydrolysis and transport showed an adaptive reaction; inhibition of pancreatic amylase was accompanied by accelerated enzyme transport in the small intestine and glucose resorption. In this situation the glycemic curves became extended suggesting a delay in glucose utilization. The latter was induced by changes in the endocrine compartment of the pancreas.