Abstract
The effect of intestinal microflora on the activities of brush border Ca 2+-ATPase, Mg 2+-ATPase, and alkaline phosphatase, and mucosal calcium-binding protein activity in the small intestine was studied to elucidate whether the increased absorption of calcium and magnesium in the germfree rats is mediated through an increase in the activities of above enzymes. The pH optimum values of Ca 2+-ATPase, Mg 2+-ATPase, and alkaline phosphatase for germfree and conventional rats were comparable. The brush border protein concentration in both germfree and conventional rats was maximal in the duodenum and decreased distally. Germfree rats showed an increase of brush border protein content in the jejunum and ileum. Germfree status resulted in a significant increase of brush border Ca 2+-ATPase, Mg 2+-ATPase, and alkaline phosphatase activities in the small intestine. The calcium-binding protein activity of the mucosal preparations of small intestine was increased under the germfree conditions. These results indicate that the enhanced levels of intestinal brush border Ca 2+-ATPase, Mg 2+-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase together with mucosal calcium-binding protein might be responsible for increased calcium and magnesium absorption observed in germfree rats.
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