Leichus, L.S., Goldhill, J.M., Long, J.D., Percy, W.H., Shaw, R.D., Donovan, V. & Burakoff, R.: Dig. Dis. Sci. 39: 2202-2208, 1994. The present study investigated changes in small intestinal epithelial transport in rabbits infected with rotavirus. The crypt depth:villus height ratio was increased in infected ileum correlating with a significant increase in crypt depth and a patchy shortening of the villi. Similar villus damage was seen in the jejunum. These histological changes were associated with a paradoxical increase in basal fluid absorption by both the ileum and jejunum of infected animals although values for basal short-circuit current (SCC) and resistance were similar. The increase in short-circuit current evoked by prostaglandin E2 was significantly smaller in rotavirus infected tissues than in controls. This may contribute to the increased fluid absorption seen in infected animals. The apparent V_max for both electrogenic glucose and alanine uptake by the jejunum was significantly increased following inoculation with rotavirus. We suggest that reduced responsiveness to the secretory effect of prostaglandin E2 and increased nutrient uptake may limit diarrhea that would otherwise be expected to occur considering the changes in mucosal architecture observed.

(Press the "Back" Button to Return to the Bibliography)