THE EFFECTS OF HORMONES ON THE ABSORPTIVE, METABOLIC AND DIGESTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

Abstract

CONTENTS The 'reason for' and the 'scope of' the review Primary and secondary actions of hormones on the alimentary tract 1. Primary or direct actions on the mucosal cells 2. Secondary or indirect actions at organ level 3. Secondary or indirect actions on the whole animal (tertiary actions) 4. Permissive, synergistic and integrative roles of hormones The concept of luminal nutrition Interpretation of data used to assess intestinal absorptive function Techniques in vivo Techniques in vitro Parameters and measurements of intestinal function Effects of thyroid hormones on intestinal function Effects on alimentary tract motility Effects on mucosal cell population: enterotrophic activity Effects on intestinal blood flow Effects on intestinal oxygen consumption Effects on enzymes Effects on absorption Effects of thyroid hormones on amino acid absorption Effects of pancreatic hormones on intestinal function Effect on alimentary tract motility Effects of diabetes and insulin on food intake and intestinal weight Effects of