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Effect of maternal protein deprivation on the development of neonatal intestinal function in rats
Insights
Maternal protein restriction in early life significantly alters nutrient absorption in offspring. While initial absorption of L-leucine and D-galactose is reduced, it increases by weaning, suggesting adaptive changes in intestinal function.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Nutritional science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Maternal diet during gestation and lactation profoundly impacts offspring development.
- Nutrient transporters in the small intestine are crucial for nutrient absorption and can be influenced by early-life nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental changes in in vitro intracellular accumulation (IA) of L-leucine and D-galactose in the small intestine of offspring from mothers fed normal (27% protein) versus low (8% protein) diets.
- To determine if early-life protein restriction leads to lasting alterations in nutrient absorption capacity.
Main Methods:
- Offspring from normal protein diet (NPD) and low protein diet (LPD) female rats were studied.
- In vitro intracellular accumulation (IA) of L-leucine (Leu) and D-galactose (Gal) was measured in the small intestine at different ages (2 days, weaning, post-weaning).
- Initial velocities and steady-state conditions of IA were assessed.
Main Results:
- At 2 days of age, LPD offspring showed significantly reduced IA of Leu and Gal compared to NPD offspring (75-84% reduction).
- By weaning, IA of Leu and Gal in LPD offspring significantly surpassed NPD offspring (133-139% increase).
- Post-weaning, Leu IA remained elevated in LPD offspring, while Gal IA normalized to NPD levels.
Conclusions:
- Early-life maternal protein restriction induces dynamic changes in intestinal nutrient absorption capacity.
- The observed alterations in IA suggest adaptive responses to nutritional challenges, potentially linked to improved caloric intake post-weaning.
- These findings highlight the long-term impact of maternal nutrition on offspring gastrointestinal development and function.
Abstract:
The developmental pattern of in vitro intracellular accumulation (IA) was studied in the small intestine of the offspring of females fed a 27% protein diet (normal) (NPD animals) and the offspring of females fed an 8% protein diet (low) (LPD animals). At 2 days of age, the IA of L-leucine (Leu) and D-galactose (Gal) was significantly reduced in the intestines of the LPD animals as compared to the NPD animals at initial velocities (75% and 81%) and under steady state conditions (82% and 84%). The IA of both compounds in the intestines of the LPD animals increased relative to the NPD animals until at weaning the IA of Leu and Gal under steady state conditions was significantly greater in the LPD animals (139% and 133%). After weaning, the IA of Leu was statistically increased (137%) and the IA of Gal was the same in the LPD animals as compared to the NPD animals at initial velocities. The variations in the developmental patterns of the IA of Leu and Gal in the intestines of LPD animals as compared to NPD animals appear to be related to animal age, which may reflect an improved caloric intake at weaning.