Abstract
Ileal absorption of intact protein was assessed in groups of control and protein-deficient rats during a 5-month period of dietary protein restriction. At monthly intervals following diet initiation, 3 animals from both the control and deficient groups were administered horseradish peroxidase via ligated ileal loops either 15, 45 or 90 minutes before loop excision and processing for light and electron microscopy. Morphological evaluations revealed no change in pinocytotic activity during the 5 months of progressive protein malnutrition. After 3 months, however, partial deterioration of mucosal structure was observed with apparent separation of apical intercellular junctions and movement of peroxidase molecules directly between cells. These observations in the ileum are compared to previous findings in the jejunum. It is suggested that ileal and jejunal absorptive cells respond uniquely to protein deprivation but that eventual junctional deterioration occurs in both regions with potential detrimental consequences for the host.
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Supported in part by Public Health Service Grant 1 F02 AI51533-01.
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Worthington, B.S., Boatman, E.S. The influence of protein malnutrition on ileal permeability to macromolecules in the rat. Digest Dis Sci 19, 43–55 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01073352
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01073352