Ontogenic expression of the amino acid transporter b0,+AT in suckling Huanjiang piglets: effect of intra-uterine growth restriction

Intestinal amino acid (AA) transport is critical for the supply of AA to other tissues. Few studies regarding AA intestinal transport systems during the period from postnatal intense development of piglets until weaning are available. In the present study, we measured the intestinal expression of b0,+AT according to developmental stage using the suckling Huanjiang piglet model, and documented the effect of intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) on such expression using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Suckling piglets that recovered after IUGR and those with normal body weights (NBW) were used after birth or at 7, 14 and 21 d of age. Blood samples were used for the measurement of plasma AA concentrations, and the jejunum was collected for the measurement of b0,+AT expression. In NBW piglets, b0,+AT expression was markedly decreased from days 0 to 21 (P