Effects of ovariectomy on the absorptive capacity and morphology of the rat small intestine

Abstract

The absorptive capacity (everted sacs) and the morphology of the small intestine were compared in ovariectomized Wistar rats and sham-operated female cortrols. The ovariectomy was performed when the animals were 5-6 weeks old. One month after ovariectomy absorption of glucose and proline were not modified. After three months, the absorption of glucose, galactose, proline and water were significantly increased (20-40 %) in the castrated group. Six months after ovariectomy, the absorption of the two hexoses and water remained increased (40-60 %), proline being not tested. The total wet weight and length of the small intestine, the mitotic index, and the heights (as number of cells) of crypts and villi were not modified by ovariectomy. These findings suggest that the observed increases in absorption are the result of true increases in the absorptive capacity of the mucosal cells .