Effect of surface desialylation on intestinal uptake of proteins in suckling rats
Babbar, H.S.; Jaswal, V.M.; Mahmood, A.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 26(1): 31-33
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5189 PMID: 3403007 Document Number: 305798
Uptake of 125I labelled bovine serum albumin (BSA), lactalbumin and .gamma.-globulin in suckling rat intestine follows a saturable phenomenon, suggesting the involvement of membrane receptor for translocation into enterocytes. Desialylation of intestinal tissue by neuraminidase treatment resulted in 26-40% decrease in the uptake of BSA, .gamma.-globulin and lactalbumin compared to controls. Binding of 125I labeled BSA and lactalbumin to desialylated microvillus membranes was unaffected, however, the binding of 125I .gamma.-globulin was increased (P < 0.001) under these conditions. The results indiate that surface sialic acid may be implicated in macromolecular uptake in suckling rat intestine, but the underlying mechanism(s) appear complex.