Effects of fasting and glucagon on the kinetics of active hexose absorption across the rat distal ileum in vivo.

The effects of starvation for 1, 2 or 3 d and the administration of glucagon to fed rats on the kinetics of active glucose and galactose absorption across the distal ileum have been determined in vivo. Fasting caused reductions in 'apparent Kt' for glucose and galactose transport together with a decrease in Jmax for glucose but not galactose absorption. Treatment with glucagon produced decreases in Kt for the absorption of both hexoses and an increase in Jmax for glucose absorption. The Jmax for galactose uptake, however, was unaltered by glucagon administration. Villus size was unaltered by starvation of up to 3 d duration, but significantly decreased by glucagon treatment. The results suggest that chronically elevated plasma glucagon levels may be a factor in the change in kinetics of hexose absorption in the distal ileum evoked by fasting.