Changes in intestinal alpha-methyl-D-glucoside uptake due to pregnancy and lactation in rats

Uptake of alpha-methyl-D-glucoside, a nonmetabolizable glucose analogue, by everted intestinal sleeves was studied in virgin, pregnant and lactating rats. The animals showed an increase in jejunal and ileal tissue mass, mucosal mass, nominal surface area, and enzymatic activities. No changes were observed in the carrier affinity throughout the breeding stages. Nevertheless there was a significant increase in glucose carrier density (Vmax) per unit of length of jejunum and ileum in pregnant and lactating animals. Integrating the results obtained, and increased overall ability to transport hexoses by nonspecific adaptation can be observed in breeding stages.