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Experimental diabetes and intestinal barriers to absorption.
The American Journal of Physiology
|February 1, 1983
Summary
Diabetes reduces intestinal unstirred water layer (UWL) resistance, enhancing nutrient absorption. This study in rats reveals altered UWL and membrane properties contribute to increased uptake of glucose and lipids in diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- The unstirred water layer (UWL) and brush-border membrane are key intestinal absorption barriers.
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with enhanced nutrient uptake, but barrier function changes were unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if altered UWL and membrane characteristics contribute to enhanced intestinal absorption in diabetic rats.
Main Methods:
- In vitro measurement of UWL effective resistance using lauryl alcohol diffusion.
- Quantification of nutrient uptake (fatty acids, cholesterol, D-glucose) in intestinal tissue from diabetic and control rats.
Main Results:
- Diabetic rats exhibited reduced UWL effective resistance compared to controls.
- Enhanced uptake of fatty acids and cholesterol in diabetic intestinal tissue, but not biopsies.
- Increased passive permeability and D-glucose transport (Jmd) in diabetic jejunum after UWL correction.
Conclusions:
- Reduced UWL resistance and increased membrane permeability contribute to enhanced intestinal absorption in diabetes.
- Specific increases in maximal transport rate (Jmd) for D-glucose were observed in diabetic rats.