Abstract
Summary
Differences in intestinal absorption of glucose were evident in pregnant and nonpregnant hamsters. Glucose absorption was highest during pregnancy, diminished during lactation, and, at late postpartum and postweaning stages, the levels were comparable to those found in older breeders. The blood glucose level was lowest in pregnant hamsters. In general, there was an inverse relationship between blood glucose concentrations and amounts of glucose absorbed. Hematocrits tended to be reduced during pregnancy and 1-3 days postpartum and a reversal occurred during later stages of lactation and postweaning. The overall results of intestinal absorption of glucose, the blood glucose, and hematocrit changes conformed to reports for the rat.
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