Role of hyperphagia in structural changes of small intestine during lactation.

The present study was conducted to investigate the cause of the structural changes of small intestine during lactation in albino rats. Anatomical measurements (total length, total wet weight and total dry weight) and histological studies of small intestine were undertaken in virgin control rats, lactating control rats, lactating rats with restricted food intake and lactating rats with restricted litter size. Restriction of food intake prevented the growth of small intestine during lactation, while restriction of litter size had no effect. Results indicate that the structural changes in small intestine are due to work hypertrophy secondary to hyperphagia and not due to any hormonal factors.