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Intestinal oxygenation and mucosal permeability with luminal mother's milk in developing piglets
1Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport 71130, USA.
Pediatric Research
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Mother's milk may protect the developing intestine. Studies show sow's milk increases intestinal permeability in newborn piglets, but not metabolic demand, suggesting a protective effect against injury.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Infant formulas can increase intestinal mucosal permeability in developing animals.
- Maternal milk is hypothesized to offer protection against intestinal injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sow's milk on intestinal metabolic demand and mucosal permeability in piglets of different ages.
- To determine if sow's milk alters intestinal oxygen uptake or permeability in developing piglets.
Main Methods:
- Piglets of varying ages (1-day, 3-day, 2-week, 1-month-old) underwent jejunoileum perfusion with predigested sow's milk.
- Intestinal blood flow, oxygen uptake, and arteriovenous oxygen difference were measured.
- Plasma-to-lumen clearance of chromium-51 EDTA was assessed to evaluate mucosal permeability.
Main Results:
- Intestinal oxygen uptake remained consistent across all age groups.
- Chromium-51 EDTA clearance was significantly higher in 1-day-old piglets compared to older piglets, indicating increased mucosal permeability.
- Increased permeability in neonates was not linked to elevated intestinal oxygen consumption.
Conclusions:
- Sow's milk perfusion increases intestinal mucosal permeability in very young piglets.
- This increased permeability in neonates is not driven by heightened intestinal metabolic demand.
- Findings suggest a potential protective role of maternal milk in the developing intestine, independent of metabolic changes.