Effects of diabetes on intestinal growth in the rat.

Abstract

AbstractDiabetes mellitus in rats was induced with alloxan and streptozotocin. Growing rats, six to seven weeks of age, were studied. Growth of the small intestine was compared in diabetic and matched control animals at 5, 8, 44, 55, 70 and 140 days. After five days the total intestinal wet weight was significantly greater in diabetic animals. Intestinal weight of diabetic animals increased progressively in comparison with controls. By 140 days after induction of diabetes, intestinal wet weight was doubled and dry weight was increased by 50% in comparison with controls. Tissue water content was significantly higher in diabetic rats. Body weight of diabetic animals at 140 days was half that of controls. Thus, the ratio of wet weight of intestine to body weight was four times greater in diabetic than control animals. Intestinal length and circumference were significantly increased at 44 days of diabetes. Growth of full thickness gut wall (by the criterion of significantly increased dry weight in g/cm of length) was primarily in the proximal small intestine. The dry weight of mucosal scrapings (g/cm length) was significantly greater in diabetic animals at eight days. The weight of underlying tissue remaining after scraping off mucosa was not significantly different, localizing the growth to the mucosa.