ORIGINAL PAPER
Modelling endogenous leucine flows at the jejunum
and ileum in lambs exposed to the intestinal parasite
Trichostrongylus colubriformis
More details
Hide details
1
Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK
2
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK
3
Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park,
Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
Publication date: 2004-10-25
Corresponding author
G. Holtrop
Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK
J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2004;13(4):589-603
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
A mathematical model is presented that compartmentalizes endogenous secretions into the
gastro-intestinal tract, according to site of origin. This model was applied to data from three growing
lambs (initial liveweight 25-30 kg) given a daily dose of 2500 Trichostrongylus colubriformis larvae
for 12 weeks. At weeks 0, 6 and 12 of infection, endogenous leucine flows were determined during
an 8 d intra-jugular infusion of [1-13C]leucine, with samples taken from the jejunum, ileum and
plasma. The infection had no effect on jejunal leucine flow (102.1 vs 105.5 mmol/d), but ileal leucine
flow increased from 18.6 to 26.3 mmol/d (P=0.023). Endogenous leucine flow at the jejunum was
unaffected by the infection (15.0 vs 18.9 mmol/d; P=0.116) but was doubled at the ileum (5.5 vs 10.4
mmol/d; P=0.025). Secretions into the small intestine contributed 58 (controls) to 65% (parasites) of
ileal endogenous flow. The model also predicted that net portal drained viscera appearance was, at
maximum, 79% of net appearance in the mesenteric vein.