QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Purchase Article View Shopping Cart Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Farness, P. L. Articles by Schneeman, B. O. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Farness, P. L. Articles by Schneeman, B. O.

Effects of Dietary Cellulose, Pectin and Oat Bran on the Small Intestine in the Rat

Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA 95616

The present study was undertaken to determine if three sources of dietary fiber would alter length, weight, DNA, protein or enzyme activity in the small intestine since various fibers are known to decrease intestinal absorption. Rats were fed semipurified diets that contained either 20% cellulose (C), 20% oat bran, 5% pectin (P) or no fiber source (FF). Leucine aminopeptidase activity was significantly greater in the P and C groups when compared with the FF group. There were no significant differences in sucrase activity. Animals in the P group had heavier and longer small intestine and heavier mucosa than the FF group. There were no significant differences in total mucosal DNA or protein. These results indicate that two sources of dietary fiber, cellulose and pectin, can change leucine aminopeptidase activity in the small intestine.

KEY WORDS: • intestine • brush border enzymes • dietary fiber • leucine aminopeptidase • sucrase

Manuscript received 5 January 1982.