Effect of folate deficiency on the digestive and absorptive functions of intestinal epithelium in rats.

The effect of folate deficiency, induced by a folate deficient diet, on the digestive and absorptive functions of the intestinal epithelium in rats has been investigated. The intestinal uptake of D-glucose and L-alanine and the brush border sucrase, lactase and alkaline phosphatase activities were considerably depressed in folate deficient animals compared to the control group. Kinetic studies with brush border sucrase in control and deficient animals revealed that reduced levels of the enzyme in folate deficiency are due to a reduced number of enzyme molecules. There was no change in activity of lactate-dehydrogenase in enterocytes of folate deficient rats.