The Influence of X-ray Lesions of the Intestinal Mucosa on Absorption of Glucose and Other Sugars

A sublethal dose of x-rays was applied over the abdomen of rats and over the thorax for control purposes. 20 and 40 hours after radiation (i.e. during the "latent period") the rate of absorption of glucose, fructose and mannose was markedly diminished. Simultaneously definite histological changes were observed in the intestinal mucosa. In spite of the decrease in the absolute amount absorbed, the relative rate of absorption of the three sugars mentioned remained nearly unchanged, indicating that the epithelial cells retained their selective action on sugars.