Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 March 2007
1. Five groups of rats were investigated: (a) unmated rats allowed free access to a commercial stock rodent diet (NP group); (b) rats in the second week of lactation allowed free access to the stock diet; (c) rats in the second week of lactation allowed only that amount of the stock diet eaten by the NP group; (d) rats in the second week of lactation allowed that amount of the stock diet eaten by the NP group and in addition free access to a high-energy, protein-free supplement; (e) rats in the second week of lactation allowed that amount of the stock diet eaten by the NP group and in addition free access to a protein supplement.
2. The weight and length of the small intestine, the mucosal content of protein and of DNA and the mucosal activities of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1), acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2), isocitric de- hydrogenase (NADP+)(EC 1.1.1.42)and glucose-6-phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.9) were measured in individual animals.
3. For the factors investigated it was, with few exceptions, found that: there were markedly higher values in lactating animals allowed unrestricted access to food than in unmated animals; in restricted lactating animals the values were considerably lower than in unrestricted lactating rats and often similar to those in unmated animals; supplements of dietary energy restored none or only a proportion of the in- creases usually found in lactation but a protein supplement restored most or all these increases. Reasons for departure from this general picture on the part of some factors are discussed.
4. The results presented here support the view that changes found in lactation are hormonally induced but governed by nutrient availability, that protein is the important nutrient raw material but that dietary energy can support some changes probably by a ‘protein-sparing’ effect. Some changes appear to be less susceptible to the effects of dietary restriction, whether of protein or total energy. It is suggested that the additional nutrients eaten by unrestricted lactating rats permit the development of more, but less mature, enterocy tes.