Uptake of alpha-methyl-D-glucoside, a nonmetabolizable glucose analogu
e, by everted intestinal sleeves was studied in virgin, pregnant and l
actating rats. The animals showed an increase in jejunal and ileal tis
sue mass, mucosal mass, nominal surface area, and enzymatic activities
. No changes were observed in the carrier affinity throughout the bree
ding stages. Nevertheless there was a significant increase in glucose
carrier density (V-max) per unit of length of jejunum and ileum in pre
gnant and lactating animals. Integrating the results obtained, an incr
eased overall ability to transport hexoses by nonspecific adaptation c
an be observed in breeding stages.