Dietary lipids alter the effect of steroids on transport of glucose after intestinal resection: Part II. Signalling of the response.

Background/purpose: Glucocorticosteroids alter the function of the intestine. Budesonide (Bud) increases the jejunal D-glucose uptake, and this effect is prevented through a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) diet. This study was undertaken to assess the possible signalling effect of budesonide, prednisone (Pred), or dexamethasone (Dex) in animals with a 50% intestinal resection and fed chow or a diet enriched with saturated (SFA) or polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Methods: Northern blots were performed.

Results: Steroids reduced the jejunal but not the ileal expression of proglucagon. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) expression was reduced in the jejunum.

Conclusions: c-jun, ODC, and proglucagon may be involved in the adaptive response that occurs with steroids and variations in dietary lipids after intestinal resection.