Lipid composition and amino acid uptake during rotavirus infection and protection with trypsin inhibitor in malnourished infant mice.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of rotavirus (RV) and soyabean trypsin inhibitor (TI) on lipid composition and uptake of glucose and glycine in rotavirus (RV) infected malnourished (PEM) infant mice. Malnutrition was achieved in animals by doubling the litter size. Cholesterol (Ch) and phospholipd (PL) contents, uptake levels of glucose and glycine were determined in jejunum and ileum portion of small intestine. Increase in Ch/PL ratios was observed in PEM+RV group. The levels became comparable in PEM+RV+TI as compared to PEM. Uptake levels of glucose and glycine increased in PEM animals. With rotavirus (PEM+RV+TI group), the levels decreased which became comparable to PEM. Changes in uptake and lipid composition with rotavirus and trypsin inhibitor may be responsible for altering membrane fluidity and organization during rotavirus diarrhea. The results establish the importance of trypsin inhibitor during oral infection with rotavirus.