Segmental distribution and expression of two heterodimeric amino acid transporter mRNAs in the intestine of pigs during different ages

BACKGROUND: Segmental distribution and expression of two heterodimeric amino acid transporter mRNAs during different ages were evaluated in pigs along the horizontal axis of the intestine.RESULTS: The intestinal distribution of b⁰, ⁺ AT and y⁺LAT1 mRNA at day 90 showed that for b⁰, ⁺ AT the mRNA levels were increased from the proximal to distal part of the small intestine (P < 0.05) and dropped dramatically in colon (P < 0.05). The ileum had the highest b⁰, ⁺ AT mRNA abundance and the ileum had the lowest. Compared to b⁰, ⁺ AT, the y⁺ LAT1 mRNA levels were decreased from the proximal to distal part of the small intestine (P < 0.05). The duodenum has the highest y⁺ LAT1 mRNA abundance. The mRNA abundance of b⁰, ⁺ AT mRNA increased linearly (P < 0.0001) from day 1 to day 150 in ileum.CONCLUSION: The mRNA expression of heterodimeric amino acid transporters (b⁰, ⁺ AT and y⁺LAT1) was not only differentially regulated by age but also differentially distributed along the intestine of piglets at early stages and growing stages of life, which may be related to luminal substrate concentration as well as amino acid requirement and hormones. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry