Ultrastructure of casein in the stomach and duodenum of infant rats at different ages of suckling.
Casein coagulate in stomachs of suckling rats at 12 and 24 h and 5, 10, and 15 days of age was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The ingested casein particles in the layered gastric milk curd were linked to produce clumps and chains of protein. This coagulation probably was caused by low pH. At 12 and 24 h of age the gastric milk curd also contained large masses of 4 to 8 nm granules. These large masses were unreported and may represent a specialization of colostrum in this species. Both particulate and granular forms disperse in the duodenum, probably as a result of enzyme action.
D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling; D002364:Caseins / Q000378:metabolism; D004386:Duodenum / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D013270:Stomach / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D002364:Caseins