Anatomical and functional changes in the small intestine of hamsters treated with 5-fluorouracil

Abstract

When an enzymatic valuation of the glycosidases in the small intestine of control Hamsters and those treated with different dosages of 5-fluorouracil for varying periods of time is made, changes in the enzymatic activity of mucous maltase, saccharase and lactase are found in the treated animals. There is a significant increase in the activity of maltase and saccharase during the first 72 hours, which later drops off in terms of the time passed. A decrease in the activity of lactase is observed during the first 72 hours of treatment.