Effect of protein deprivation and subsequent rehabilitation on the intestinal transport of L-methionine in vivo.

The effect of protein deprivation and subsequent rehabilitation on the intestinal transport of L-methionine was studied in albino rats of both sexes. The rats given diet containing no protein or 3 per cent maize protein for 28 days, lost their intestinal cell population by 50 and 20 per cent respectively. The net absorption rate of L-methionine was little affected, while absorptive capacity of intestinal cells was considerably enhanced in protein-deficient rats. The increase in absorptive capacity of intestinal cells was much higher in rats given protein-free diet than in those given maize diet. The augmentation is absorptive capacity of intestinal cells of protein-deprived rats was a temporary adaptation to the conditions that prevent the formation of new cells. Rehabilitation of malnourished rat on diet containing 17 per cent casein, resulted in a rapid increase in intestinal cell population, return of the absorptive capacity of intestinal cells to normal, and augmentation in net absorption rates.