Effect of stasis on intestinal enzyme activities

Abstract

Activities of the small intestinal mucosal enzymes lactase, sucrase, maltase, alkaline phosphatase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase were studied in rats with surgically-induced upper intestinal stasis and in control animals. The first four are brush border enzymes, the latter a lysosomal enzyme. There was a reduction in the activities of all enzymes in the operated animals. The change lining was significant and most marked in mucosa the blind loop and gut distal to it; areas in which there is gross bacterial overgrowth and excessive levels of intraluminal deconjugated bile salts. The significance of these findings in relation to malabsorption consequent on bacterial contamination of the upper gut is uncertain and requires further study.