MILD-TO-MODERATE MALNUTRITION AND SMALL-INTESTINE OF YOUNG RHESUS-MONKEYS

The effect of severe malnutrition and protein deficiency on small inte stine has been documented, but the literature on the effect of mild-to -moderate protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) on small intestine is scan t Mild-to-moderate PEM is most prevalent in India. Twenty-four young r hesus monkeys weighing 1.5-2.0 kg were divided into two groups, contro l and experimental. Mild-to-moderate PEM was induced in the experiment al group by giving half of the required normal diet providing 2.42 g p rotein . kg(-1). day(-1) and 55 kcal . kg(-1). day(-1). Body weight, s erum protein, and D-xylose were measured before starting the experimen t, at PEM stage, and after rehabilitation. Experimental monkeys repres enting group 1 were killed after a 25-30% reduction in body weight alo ng with control group I animals at 12 wk The rest of the experimental animals were rehabilitated for another 10-12 wk acid killed along with their respective controls (control group 2). Brush-border membrane ve sicles were prepared from three parts of the small intestine. Viable v esicles were used for the uptake of [U-C-14]L-proline. Alkaline phosph atase and enterokinase were also measured. Uptake of L-proline amino a cid and the activity of both enzymes were found to be decreased signif icantly in the PEM group; a D-xylose test was abnormal. All animals re covered after rehabilitation These results indicate that even mild-to- moderate malnutrition affects the absorptive and digestive capacity of the brush border of the small intestine, which reversed back on rehab ilitation.