Alterations in intestinal function in response to thyroxine and cortisone administration in undernourished rats

Imposition of undernutrition during the suckling period considerably enhanced the intestinal uptake of D-glucose and glycine compared to a control group. Brush border sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were drastically reduced while lactase and leucine amino peptidase levels were significantly elevated at weaning in nutritionally deprived pups as compared to control animals. Cortisone administration to undernourished rats depressed the uptake of D-glucose but stimulated that of glycine. Thyroxine treatment to undernourished animals reduced the uptake of glucose but had no effect on glycine absorption. Brush border sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activities were stimulated in cortisone- or thyroxine-injected undernourished rats but lactase activity was depressed under these conditions. Leucine aminopeptidase activity remained unaffected in cortisone- or thyroxine-administered undernourished pups.