Morphometric study of the layers of the canine small intestine at five sampling sites

The histology of the canine intestine has not been accurately defined. To establish the precise thickness of its different layers, whole wall samples of the small intestine were removed from 41 cadavers at five standardised sampling sites (duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, proximal ileum and distal ileum). The total thickness was estimated by morphometry, as was the thickness of the mucosa, muscularis mucosae, submucosa and muscularis externa. In addition, the size of the lymphoid aggregates in the submucosa and the thickness of the circular and longitudinal layers within both the muscularis mucosae and the muscularis externa were estimated. The total intestinal thickness depended very much upon the thickness of the mucosa and submucosa. The mucosa decreased progressively from proximal to distal parts of the small intestine (47% reduction). The thickness of the submucosa, however, changed little from the duodenum to the distal jejunum, but increased significantly in the ileum; this change was positively correlated with the amount of lymphoid tissue. Sex influenced the thickness of the intestinal wall, with males displaying higher thickness values along the small intestine. Conversely, no correlation between bodyweight and intestinal thickness was found for any of the five sampling sites. This study gives absolute and relative values for the thickness of the layers of the dog intestine which might help in the diagnosis of small intestinal pathology from postmortem samples and/or endoscopic biopsies.     

The anatomy of the oesophagus, stomach and intestine in common wolffish (Anarhichas lupus L.): a basis for diagnostic work and research

The alimentary canal of laboratory-reared common wolffish (Anarhichas lupus L.) was studied using light and electron microscopy. In the oesophagus, a simple columnar microvillous epithelium with transport characteristics was observed in addition to the main striated squamous epithelium. An osmoregulatory function is proposed for the simple columnar epithelium, which was supported by wide, thin-walled vessels. In the stomach, a separate type of neck cells was observed leading into the acinar gastric glands, which morphologically consist of one cell type: chief cells. The intestine was divided into a proximal and distal segment by an intestinal valve. Pyloric caeca were not present. We propose that shallow, crypt-like structures in the intestinal mucosa are the sites of epithelial-cell proliferation in juveniles and adults. The length of microvilli decreased from approximately 4 microns in the cranial part of the proximal intestine, to 1.5 microns in the distal intestine. In the distal intestine, rod-shaped bacteria were observed between microvilli. An extensive system of thin-walled vessels was observed in the submucosa of juvenile and adult wolffish stomach and intestine. Eosinophilic granular cells were numerous in the perivascular connective tissue in the gastric and intestinal submucosa of adults and juveniles, but were not observed in larvae.     

Adrenergic, cholinergic, and nonadrenergic-noncholinergic intrinsic innervation of the jejunum in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the major neurotransmitters that regulate contractile activity in the jejunum of horses. SAMPLE POPULATION: Jejunal specimens from 65 horses without gastrointestinal tract lesions. PROCEDURE: Jejunal smooth muscle strips, oriented in the plane of the circular or longitudinal muscular layer, were suspended isometrically in muscle baths. Neurotransmitter release was induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) delivered at 30 and 70 V intensities and at various frequencies on muscle strips maintained at low or high muscle tone. To detect residual nonadrenergic-noncholinergic neurotransmission, the response of muscle to EFS in the presence of adrenergic and cholinergic blockade was compared with the response in the presence of tetrodotoxin. RESULTS: Atropine (ATR) decreased the contractile response of muscle strips to EFS under most conditions. However, ATR increased the contractile response of high-tone circular muscle. Adrenergic blockade generally increased the muscle responses to 30 V EFS and in high-tone longitudinal muscle but decreased contractile responses in high-tone circular muscle. Tetrodotoxin significantly altered the responses to EFS, compared with adrenergic and cholinergic receptor blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Acetylcholine and norepinephrine appear to be important neurotransmitters regulating smooth muscle contractility in the equine jejunum. They induce contraction and relaxation, respectively, in most muscle preparations, although they may cause opposite effects under certain conditions. In addition, nonadrenergic-noncholinergic excitatory and inhibitory influences were detected. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acetylcholine or norepinephrine release within the myenteric plexus of horses may alter gastrointestinal motility.     

Regional variations in the distribution of small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in three inbred strains of mice

The regional variation in the intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the small intestine was examined in BALB/c male and female mice and C3H/He and C57BL/6 male mice. The small intestines were taken from 11 to 12-week-old mice and divided equally into 3 parts (the proximal, middle and distal parts). IELs were isolated from each part of the intestine and analyzed with flow cytometer. The number of IELs was highest in the proximal part and lowest in the distal part. The distribution of IEL subsets was markedly different between the proximal and the distal parts, and that in the middle part showed the intermediate pattern. The percentage of alphabeta T cells were higher in the distal part. In alphabeta T cell subset, the percentage of CD8alphaalpha T cells was higher in the proximal part, whereas those of CD4 and CD4CD8alphaalpha double positive T cells were higher in the distal part. In gammadelta T cell subset, no regional variations were found. The regional variations in the number and subsets of IELs showed almost the same patterns between male and female BALB/c mice and similar patterns among three strains of mice. This strongly suggests that the regional variations in the small intestinal IELs are common to mouse species.     

Intestinal atresia and ectopia in a bovine fetus

A 2-year-old Red Holstein cow was presented with uterine torsion at 235 days of pregnancy. The fetus extracted by cesarean section had weak vital signs and marked abdominal distention. An edematous pouch that contained tubular structures with peristaltic activity was associated with the umbilical cord. Because of poor prognosis, both dam and fetus were euthanized. At necropsy, the fetus had severe distention of the forestomachs, abomasum, and proximal small intestine; absence of distal small intestine, cecum, and proximal colon; atresia of the 2 blind ends of the intestine; and atrophy of distal colon and rectum. The tubular structures associated with the umbilical cord were identified as the segments of intestine that were absent in the fetus. Intestinal atresia combined with ectopia may be caused by local ischemia during temporary herniation and rotation of the fetal gut into the extraembryonic coelom. The close connection between ectopic intestine and amniotic sheath of the umbilical cord in this case may have facilitated vascularization and allowed development and viability of the ectopic intestine.     

Evaluation of fluorescein dye as an indicator of small intestinal viability in the horse

In 6 horses, 2 types of ischemic lesions were created in small intestinal segments by selective ligation of vessels and intestinal wall for 1, 2, or 3 hours. After confirming the ischemia by IV injection of sodium fluorescein, the ligatures were released. Five minutes later, the fluorescent patterns were documented photographically. Observed patterns ranged from normal (identical to that observed in unaffected bowel) to a patchy distribution of non-fluorescence (indicating incomplete perfusion). None of the experimental segments was normal when reevaluated 1 month later. The typical appearance included fibrosis, adhesions, and thickening of the bowel wall. It was concluded that IV injection of fluorescein can be used to indicate perfusion of the intestine, but that this is not the only criterion for determining clinical outcome in cases of intestinal ischemia in horses.     

Myoelectric activity in the intestine of cows with strangulating obstruction of the distal small intestine

Myoelectric activity in 2 cows instrumented with permanent electrodes in the ileum, cecum, proximal loop of the ascending colon (PLAC), and spiral colon was analyzed after an obstruction developed in the distal small intestine. Results were compared with patterns from a group of 7 normal cows. Myoelectric activity in the ileum immediately orad to the occlusion was characterized by abolition of the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) and a constant pattern of strong spike bursts of long duration. Cyclic activity was present in all parts of the large intestine, and propagation of phase III activity was evident from proximal to distal. A slight degree of disorganization in phase III propagation was restricted to the spiral colon. Activity cycles tended to be shorter in the cecum and PLAC of both cows with colic than in normal cows, and the intensity of spiking activity was generally lower. Changes in duration of the MMC in the spiral colon (bovine colonic MMC, bcMMC) were inconsistent, but the intensity of spiking activity tended to be lower in phases I and II of both cows compared to controls. The organization of phase III in several spindles typical of the bovine spiral colon was not disrupted, but phase IV of the bcMMC occurred only infrequently. Organized cyclic activity occurred in the large intestine of both cows despite complete disruption of the small intestinal MMC, indicating the presence of mechanisms able to initiate and regulate coordinated myoelectric patterns in the large intestine independent of the small intestine.     

Effects of dietary change and rotavirus infection on small intestinal structure and function in gnotobiotic piglets

The combined effects of weaning and rotavirus infection on small intestinal structure and function and on growth rate were studied in 28 gnotobiotic piglets. There was little damage by rotavirus to the proximal small intestine, some damage to the mid small intestine and relatively severe damage to the distal small intestine; villi were stunted, crypts lengthened and activities of all brush border enzymes decreased. The damage was short-lived despite the synchronisation of rotavirus infection with simulated weaning. There was no evidence of persistent damage to the small intestine and growth rate was unaffected.     

Artificial rearing influences the morphology,permeability and redox state of the gastrointestinal tract of low and normal birth weight piglets

Background: In this study the physiological implications of artificial rearing were investigated. Low(LBW) and normal birth weight(NBW) piglets were compared as they might react differently to stressors caused by artificial rearing. In total, 42 pairs of LBW and NBW piglets from 16 litters suckled the sow until d19 of age or were artificially reared starting at d3 until d19 of age. Blood and tissue samples that were collected after euthanasia at 0, 3, 5, 8 and 19 d of age. Histology, ELISA, and Ussing chamber analysis were used to study proximal and distal small intestine histomorphology, proliferation, apoptosis, tight junction protein expression, and permeability. Furthermore, small intestine,liver and systemic redox parameters(GSH, GSSG, GSH-Px and MDA) were investigated using HPLC.Results: LBW and NBW artificially reared piglets weighed respectively 40 and 33% more than LBW and NBW sowreared piglets at d19(P 0.01). Transferring piglets to a nursery at d3 resulted in villus atrophy, increased intestinal FD-4 and HRP permeability and elevated GSSG/GSH ratio in the distal small intestine at d5(P 0.05). GSH concentrations in the proximal small intestine remained stable, while they decreased in the liver(P 0.05). From d5 until d19, villus width and crypt depth increased, whereas PCNA, caspase-3, occludin and claudin-3 protein expressions were reduced. GSH,GSSG and permeability recovered in artificially reared piglets(P 0.05).Conclusion: The results suggest that artificial rearing altered the morphology, permeability and redox state without compromising piglet performance. The observed effects were not depending on birth weight.     

Enterocyte digestive enzyme activity along the crypt-villus and longitudinal axes in the neonatal pig small intestine

Our objective was to examine the distribution of enterocyte digestive enzyme activity along the crypt-villus and longitudinal axes of the small intestine in formula-fed neonatal pigs between the ages of 14 and 18 d. The distended intestinal sac method was used to isolate 12 sequential fractions (F1 through F12) of epithelial cells. Enterocyte migration rate was measured in the proximal and distal intestine using in vivo bromodeoxyuridine labeling. Specific activities of representative villus cell marker enzymes of alkaline phosphatase, aminopeptidase N, sucrase, and lactase increased 6- to 17-fold from F12 (crypt cells) to F1 (villus cells), whereas the crypt cell marker [3H]thymidine incorporation increased 8- to 18-fold from F1 (villus cells) to F12 (crypt cells). Enterocyte migration rate was similar (3.2 vs 3.0 microm/h), whereas the villus height (547.4 vs 908.5 microm) and enterocyte life span (4.7 vs 10.2 d) were markedly lower (P < 0.05) in the proximal than in the distal segments, respectively. In general, the specific activities of all enzymes were lowest in the crypt fractions (F9 through F12) but increased markedly (ranging from 8- to 17-fold) from F12 to F1. The activity of aminopeptidase N was higher and that of sucrase was lower in the distal than in the proximal segment. The activities of the remaining enzymes were similar in the proximal and the distal segments. Our results suggest that the enterocyte life span in the distal small intestine is approximately twice as long as in the proximal small intestine. However, despite the difference in life span, the patterns of enzyme activities along the crypt-villus axis were generally similar in the proximal and the distal regions.     

Flow cytometric analysis of colonic and small intestinal mucosal lymphocytes obtained by endoscopic biopsy in the healthy dog

Flow cytometric analysis of the lymphocyte population of the gut could provide useful information on the immune cells present in the gut that would not be easily obtained in tissue sections. However, little is known of the normal lymphocyte population in the canine gut as determined by flow cytometry, which allows for simultaneous staining of multiple cell surface antigens and identification of specific lymphocytic subsets. Therefore, intraepithelial lymphocytes were obtained from biopsies of the healthy canine proximal small intestine and colon taken with an endoscope, and flow cytometric analysis was used to characterize the lymphocyte subsets present. Endoscopic biopsy of the intestine is a minimally invasive technique commonly used for diagnostic purposes. Although CD3+ lymphocytes were the most abundant subset in both colon and small intestine, CD3+/CD8- lymphocytes predominated in the proximal small intestine, whereas CD3+/CD8+ lymphocytes did in the colon. Canine CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes were predominantly CD8alphabeta+ in both small intestine and colon. CD4+ intraepithelial lymphocytes were always much less numerous than CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes. As in man, a majority of intraepithelial lymphocytes expressed the T-cell receptor, TCRalphabeta, but TCRgammadelta was expressed by a third of intraepithelial T-cells in the proximal small intestine, and approximately 15% of those in the colon. Very few CD21+ lymphocytes were detected in samples of healthy canine colon and small intestinal intraepithelial cells. We have showed that canine intraepithelial lymphocytes are regionally specialized, and that those from the small intestine are unique in comparison to those of other species such as man and rodents due to the large numbers of CD3+/CD8- intraepithelial lymphocytes. This study provides a baseline for comparison with intraepithelial lymphocytes obtained from canine patients with intestinal disease.     

Small intestinal ganglioneuromatosis in a dog

A 6-week-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross was presented with a 4-week history of vomiting and small bowel diarrhoea. Abdominal ultrasound showed thickening of the distal jejunum and ileum. The dog underwent two exploratory laparotomies, during which grossly abnormal sections of intestine were resected. The patient developed septic peritonitis 48 h after the second surgery, caused by dehiscence of an intestinal anastomosis, and was euthanased. All intestinal tissue samples were examined histopathologically and a diagnosis of gastrointestinal ganglioneuromatosis was made. Intestinal ganglioneuromatosis is rare and this case represents a novel occurrence in the small intestine of a dog.     

Virulence of wild and mutant strains of Salmonella typhimurium in ligated intestinal segments of calves, pigs, and rabbits

A ligated intestine model in calves, pigs, and rabbits was tested for its value as an indicator of virulence of potential vaccine strains of Salmonella typhimurium. A wild virulent strain (3860C), a laboratory strain LT2, and mutants of these 2 strains were evaluated. Inoculation of calf intestinal segments with strain 3860C revealed that fluid responses were greatest in the proximal portion of the small intestine and that doses greater than 10(7) organisms were required to produce fluid responses and mucosal damage. Immunoperoxidase-stained sections of intestine revealed that a large dose of Salmonella organisms was required before mucosal invasion could be detected. Aromatic (aroA), galactose epimerase (galE), and diaminopimelic acid (dap) mutants of strain 3860C all resulted in much less fluid response, mucosal invasion, and mucosal damage compared with those by the parent organism. Strain LT2 induced such weak responses that it was not possible to evaluate reductions in virulence of its mutants. In 6-week-old pigs, there was no fluid response to any strains; however, in 1-week-old pigs, there was fluid response to the wild strain and some of its mutants. In adult rabbits, fluid responses were not observed, except when the wild strain was inoculated in the proximal portion of the small intestine. The calf and 1-week-old pig models appeared to be best suited for assessment of virulence of mutant strains of S typhimurium.     

Effects of oligosaccharides on functional parameters of the intestinal tract of growing pigs.

Feeding experiments were carried out in growing pigs using topinambur powder or inactivated yeasts as prebiotic additives with an application period of at least 3 weeks. At the end of the experimental periods the animals were killed and segments of the intestinal tract were used for measuring transport physiological parameters and for mucin histochemistry. Jejunal epithelia were mounted in Ussing chambers for measuring electrical tissue parameters, paracellular permeability and short circuit current response to mucosal glucose. Both prebiotics had no effects on basal or forskolin stimulated short circuit currents. Total tissue conductances tended to be higher in response to both prebiotics. Topinambur increased mucosal-to-serosal fluxes of mannitol in the proximal and distal jejunum, which could only be demonstrated for the distal jejunum when inactivated yeasts were fed. Mucosal application of glucose induced higher current responses in jejunal tissues. From histochemistry it could be demonstrated that both prebiotics increased the number of ileal goblet cells and the thickness of the colonic mucosa.     

Passage of ribonucleic acid along the intestine of sheep.

Sheep (Flemish female x Texel male, 55 kg BW), fitted with a PVC cannula in the dorsal rumen and single T-shaped PVC cannulas in the proximal duodenum, distal duodenum, mid-jejunum and terminal ileum were fed hay or hay-concentrate diets at various levels of nitrogen and cell walls (NDF) (22 to 32 g N/d; 150 to 699 g NDF/d). Co-EDTA and Cr-NDF were used as markers to measure the flow rate of digesta. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) intestinal digesta and in rumen bacteria was determined with orcinol after extraction with sodium chloride, precipitation with tungstophosphoric acid and alkaline hydrolysis. The RNA:total N ratio in bacteria, harvested from the rumen, amounted to 0.70 (CV 4.4%). The apparent digestibility of RNA in different sections of the intestine was higher than of total N. About 6% of RNA entering the duodenum disappeared between the proximal and distal duodenum. At jejunum, the net disappearance of RNA amounted to 68% of the quantity which entered the proximal duodenum. A higher result of 71% was obtained at the ileum. Total net disappearance of RNA between the proximal duodenum and rectum averaged 75%. Sixteen percent of RNA leaving the ileum was apparently digested in the large intestine. The true digestibility of RNA between the proximal duodenum and the terminal ileum, as estimated by multiple regression analysis, amounted to 78%. Of the amount of RNA entering the ileum, 24% was of endogenous origin. At ileum, the RNA passage was positively related to the ileal flow of NDF (R2 = 0.67) and N (R2 = 0.94). The passage of RNA increased by 3 mg RNA per g ileal indigestible NDF. Ileal endogenous N consisting of approximately 2% of endogenous RNA-N. In conclusion, the digestion capacity in the first part of the small intestine is high. Rising flows of indigestible cell walls and nitrogen increase the loss of ileal RNA. Further, using RNA as a microbial marker to assess the amount of microbial protein entering the duodenum of ruminants, digesta samples should be collected immediately post pylorus at the proximal duodenum, in order to avoid underestimation of the microbial protein synthesis in the rumen.     

肉鸡肠道NHE2 mRNA表达的组织特异性与发育性变化

选用遗传背景相同的1日龄父母代雄性Arbor Acre（AA）肉雏鸡120羽,随机分为4个重复,采用相对定量RT-PCR方法,以30日龄AA肉鸡肠道RNA为模板,研究肉鸡肠道钠/氢交换载体2（Sodium hydrogen exchanger 2,NHE2）mRNA表达的组织特异性;以AA肉鸡十二指肠和空肠RNA为模板,研究肉鸡肠道NHE2mRNA表达的发育性变化。结果显示：①AA肉鸡十二指肠和空肠NHE2 mRNA的表达丰度显著高于回肠和结直肠（P〈0.05）,而十二指肠和空肠之间、回肠和结直肠之间无显著差异（P〉0.05）;②AA肉鸡NHE2 mRNA在十二指肠及空肠中的表达具有相同的发育模式,2～16日龄升高,30～44日龄下降,55日龄略微回升;在16和30日龄时的表达丰度显著高于2、44和58日龄（P〈0.05）。以上结果说明：AA肉鸡肠道近端NHE2 mRNA的表达丰度显著高于远端（P〈0.05）。AA肉鸡十二指肠及空肠NHE2 mRNA的表达具有相同的发育模式,表明NHE2mRNA表达受到发育阶段的调控,且在十二指肠和空肠间具有稳定性。     

The pathophysiology of intestinal damage: effects of luminal distention and ischemia

Intestinal edema, luminal distention, and ischemia are common pathologic processes involved in producing the intestinal damage found during surgical exploration for acute abdominal disorders in the horse. The severity of intestinal edema depends on the degree of altered intravascular forces and changes in capillary permeability. Capillary hydrostatic pressure rises as the less pliable venules and veins become occluded during intestinal obstruction. Concurrently, the production of various endogenous products that damage the vascular wall leads to increases in capillary permeability and protein exudation, causing fluid movement into the interstitium and consequent tissue edema. The information presently available indicates that luminal distention does not produce the morphologic damage observed during natural conditions. However, slight intestinal edema was observed with experimental distention of the equine small intestine. Although the effects of increased luminal pressure appear minor, in the overall scheme of intestine damage, many processes are occurring together, and the luminal distention may be additive in the production of intestinal damage. The intestinal damage occurring during natural obstructions is most likely related to both the severity of the ischemia and the subsequent reperfusion injury. Experimentally, an ischemic insult produces a consistent sequence of mucosal alterations to both the equine small and large intestine. Severity of ischemia may be the limiting factor in determining the clinical outcome in cases in which the ischemic insult is irreversible; however, if the intestinal tissue survives the ischemia, the reperfusion injury may substantially increase the damage, producing an irreversible injury. The proposed mechanisms responsible for the reperfusion injury include the presence of highly reactive cytotoxic oxygen radicals. The intestinal epithelium and vascular endothelium are both capable of producing these unstable compounds. Secondly, the influx and activation of neutrophils may also release oxygen radicals. During experimental ischemia, neutrophils gradually move to the affected area; however, during reperfusion their numbers dramatically increase and may play a significant role in producing intestinal damage. Therapy for intestinal damage involves first determining the viability of the affected intestine. All nonviable bowel should be resected and viable intestine anastomosed. The care and maintenance of intestine of questionable viability are presently based on therapy in humans and experimental information concerning the pathophysiologic mechanisms of intestinal ischemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Ruminally undegraded intake protein in sheep fed low-quality forage: effect on weight, growth, cell proliferation, and morphology of visceral organs

To determine the influence of increasing levels of supplemental ruminally undegraded intake protein (UIP) on visceral organ weights, growth, cell proliferation, and morphology, 20 mature ewes of mixed breeding were fed a 6.55% CP grass hay:straw mixture (40:60) and assigned to one of four supplemental treatments. Supplements were control (no supplement) and low, medium, and high levels of UIP. After 42 to 46 d on treatment, ewes were infused i.v. with 5-bromo-2-deoxy-uridine (BrdU, a thymidine analog used to provide an index of the rate of intestinal cell proliferation) and slaughtered 1 h later. Visceral organs were weighed, and subsamples were obtained to evaluate visceral DNA, RNA, and protein contents (frozen samples) as well as intestinal morphology (fixed samples). Final BW; eviscerated BW (EBW); total visceral weight; and liver fresh, dry, and dry fat-free weights were increased (P<.10) in protein-supplemented ewes compared with controls, but were not influenced by increasing levels of UIP. Tissue weights of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon were not greatly influenced by treatment. There were no differences among treatments in intestinal DNA and protein concentrations and the ratios RNA:DNA and protein:DNA. Jejunal RNA concentration and content was increased (P<.10) in low compared with medium and high treatments. Jejunal RNA content also was decreased (P<.10) in high compared with the medium UIP treatment. Liver RNA and protein contents were increased (P<.10) with protein supplementation. In contrast, contents of RNA, DNA, and protein in duodenum, ileum, cecum, and colon were not influenced by treatment. In addition, neither the rate of intestinal proliferation (BrdU labeling) nor intestinal morphology (crypt depth, villus length, or villus width) were affected by treatment. These data indicate that the influence of protein supplementation on visceral growth involves primarily the liver and not the intestines. These data also indicate that visceral growth, except in jejunum, are not altered by differing levels of UIP supplementation.     

The effect of motilin on the regulation mechanism of intestinal motility in conscious horses

Laparotomy was performed on seven thoroughbreds to attach a force transducer to the proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, and ileum, as well as to the serous membrane of the cecum. Following observation of intestinal motility in conscious horses, they were intravenously injected with motilin (0.6 microgram/kg) to examine its effect on intestinal motility. Strong contractions peculiar to horses were observed in small intestine. Further, motilin caused strong contractions in the proximal jejunum. The results suggested the involvement of motilin in the regulation mechanism of intestinal motility.     

Postnatal development of nutrient transport in the intestine of dogs

OBJECTIVE: To measure nutrient absorption by the intestine during postnatal development of dogs. ANIMAL: 110 Beagles ranging from neonatal to adult dogs. PROCEDURE: Rates of absorption for sugars (glucose, galactose, and fructose), amino acids (aspartate, leucine, lysine, methionine, and proline), a dipeptide (glycyl-sarcosine), and linoleic acid by the proximal, mid, and distal regions of the small intestine were measured as functions of age and concentration (kinetics) by use of intact tissues and brush-border membrane vesicles. Absorption of octanoic acid by the proximal portion of the colon was measured in intact tissues. RESULTS: Rates of carrier-mediated transport by intact tissues decreased from birth to adulthood for aldohexoses and most amino acids but not for fructose and aspartate. Kinetics and characteristics of absorption suggest that there were changes in the densities, types, and proportions of various carriers for sugars and amino acids. Saturable absorption of linoleic acid in the small intestine and octanoic acid in the proximal portion of the colon increased after weaning. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Rates of absorption decreased between birth and adulthood for most nutrients. However, because of intestinal growth, absorption capacities of the entire small intestine remained constant for leucine and proline and increased for glucose, galactose, fructose, aspartate, and proline but were less than predicted from the increase in body weight. Although postnatal ontogeny of nutrient absorption was consistent with changes in the composition of the natural and commercial diets of growing dogs, rates of amino acid and peptide absorption were lower than expected.