Disaccharidase Activity in the Small Intestinal Mucosa in Cases with Acute Enteritis

Abstract

Gudmand-Höyer, E. & Söeberg, B. Disaccharidase activity in the small intestinal mucosa in cases with acute enteritis. Scand. J. Gastroent. 1974, 9, 405-409.

The involvment of disaccharidase activity in the small intestinal mucosa in acute infective enteritis was investigated by means of biopsies in 11 patients both in the acute phase and at least three months after recovery. On the whole, transient lowering of the lactase activity was encountered. In two patients values corresponding to lactose malabsorption were found. The activity of the remaining enzymes was unaffected although in two patients with subtotal atrophy of the villi, diffuse reduction of the enzyme activity was found. In the remaining 9 patients only uncharacteristic histological changes could be demonstrated.

Key-words::

• Disaccharidases
• intestine, small
• hepatitis, viral