Effects of luminal glucose versus nonnutritive infusates on jejunal mass and absorption in the rat

These studies were designed to better understand the effects of luminal nutrition on intestinal mass and function. Parenterally nourished rats received a midjejunal infusion of either 0.9% saline, 10% glucose, 10% 3-O-methyl glucose, or 30% glucose. A fifth group underwent sham operation. After 7 days, intestinal mass and in vitro glucose and leucine uptake were measured in the intestine just distal to the infusion site. Luminal infusion led to greater intestinal mass in all groups compared to controls, but only the 10% and 30% glucose groups had significantly greater overall glucose uptake. Kinetic analysis revealed a greater apparent maximal transport rate in both glucose groups. The 30% glucose group had a greater apparent maximal transport rate for leucine and permeability for glucose and leucine. These data confirmed that "work load," in addition to luminal nutrition, maintains intestinal mass. However, adaptation of intestinal transport is more specific and appears to be regulated both by substrate metabolism and caloric density.