title: Biochemistry of intestinal development.
abstract: In biochemical terms, the rat small intestine is relatively immature at birth and for the first two postnatal weeks. Then during the third week a dramatic array of enzymic changes begins, and by the end of the fourth week the intestine has the digestive and absorptive properties of the adult. Selective examples of these changes are discussed with emphasis on their implications for toxicological studies. The review also includes a detailed consideration of the roles of the dietary change of weaning and of glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones in the regulation of intestinal development.
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000502:physiology; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000201:enzymology; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D051381:Rats; D013393:Sucrase / Q000378:metabolism; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D013393:Sucrase