Effect of rotavirus infection on lipid composition and glucose uptake in infant mouse intestine.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of rotavirus infection on lipid composition and glucose uptake in small intestine of infant mice. METHODS: Thirty six 7-day old balb/c mice were given 50 mL (100 ID50) rotavirus suspension orally; 36 control animals received only normal saline. Body weight of animals was recorded. Six animals in each group were sacrificed on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 post-inoculation (pi). Intestines were removed, everted and homogenized in ice-cold saline. Cholesterol and phospholipid content, glucose uptake and alkaline phosphatase in the jejunum and ileum were determined. RESULTS: Rotavirus infection led to a significant decrease in body weight with on days 3 and 5 pi as compared to controls, and to an increase in cholesterol and phospholipid content of the intestine. Uptake of glucose also increased significantly. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly reduced on days 3 and 5 pi as compared to controls. CONCLUSION: This study provides characterization of the lipid composition and uptake of glucose in infant mice small intestinal segments during rotavirus infection.