Studies on the active transport of D-glucose and L-histidine by rats and golden hamsters fed on a penicillin-enriched diet.

Abstract

1. The effect of a penicillin-enriched diet (100 mg or 1000 mg penicillin-G/kg food) on the active transport of D-glucose and L-histidine has been investigated by the use of sacs of everted small intestine of normal young adult rats and golden hamsters. The antibiotic was given for up to several weeks.2. The penicillin made no difference to the final concentration gradients of D-glucose or L-histidine achieved by rat small intestine, although with the hamster these appeared somewhat improved. Water entry into the serosal fluid remained unchanged.3. The lengths and the dry weights of the small intestines of both species were not altered by the dietary regimen.