Specificity of sugar transport by the intestine of the hamster

Abstract

The specificity of the sugar transport system of the hamster small intestine was tested with 20 sugars and sugar derivatives not previously tested in this system. The absorption of sugars across the intestinal wall against a concentration gradient was tested with the everted sac technique in vitro. 3-Deoxyglucose, 4-0-methylgalactose, 6-deoxy-6-fluoroglucose and α-methylglucoside were transported while a variety of other sugars were not. From the data derived from the study of a total of 49 sugars tested in this system, certain generalizations are made as to the structural limitations of the sugar-absorbing capacity of the hamster intestine.