Reversal by vanadate of the effect of diabetes on intestinal growth and transport.

Diabetic changes in small intestinal growth and transport were studied in the rat during the administration of the pentavalent vanadium oxyanion, vanadate. This treatment reversed the effect of diabetes on growth of the intestinal mucosa. It eliminated hyperglycemia and restored the normal rate of absorption of AIB and 3-o-methyl glucose by the intestine. The changes are probably caused by an insulin-like action of vanadate on the intestine.