Induction of intestinal glucose carriers in streptozocin-treated chronically diabetic rats

Abstract

The maximal transport capacity (Vmax) for intestinal glucose absorption is increased in experimentally induced chronic diabetes mellitus. Using [3H]phlorizin radioautography, we examined the relation between this increase in transport Vmax and the number and distribution of sodium-glucose co-transporters on the luminal surface of rat ileum. Male Lewis rats were made diabetic with streptozocin. Ninety days later we measured 3-O-methyl-D-glucopyranose absorption and specific [3H]phlorizin binding to the ileal mucosa of the same rats. Net 3-O-methyl-D-glucopyranose flux was 6.9-fold greater in diabetic rats compared with age-matched controls. Specific binding of [3H]phlorizin to the luminal surface was 7.2-fold greater in the diabetic rats. Radioautography revealed that, in chronic diabetes, specific phlorizin binding extends into the midvillus region of the ileum, whereas in age-matched controls, it is confined to villus tips. We believe that, in untreated diabetes, a larger fraction of intestinal villus epithelial cells participate in glucose absorption.