Development of D-glucose absorption in the perinatal period

The results of animal and human studies concerning the development of active glucose transport in the perinatal period are reviewed and discussed. An active glucose transport system exists prenatally in humans and animal species. Rapid development of this transport system takes place during the perinatal period. It is speculated that the increased capacity for glucose absorption in older animals may be due to the relative increase in mucosal surface area. However, while the development of active glucose transport by individual enterocytes may be complete in early postnatal life, the pattern of this development remains to be clarified. Human data on the maximum transmucosal potential difference of active glucose transport in preterm infants and in neonates of different gestational age and size are summarized. (wz)