Effect of antibiotics on intestinal absorption in mice

The effects of dietary antibiotics (penicillin, neomycin or terramycin) on the absorption of D-glucose, D-galactose, L-arginine or L-histidine by the mouse were investigated by using sacs of entire everted ileum. 2. Compared with the controls, there was generally an increased absorption of all these solutes. Tissue uptake of the solutes remained unaltered. The inward movement of water into the sacs was increased but was generally independent of solute transport. 3. The body-weight decreased slightly and caecal weight increased with penicillin only. The weight of the small intestine decreased with the different antibiotics, and the gut wall became thinner. Faecal fat increased slightly, but not significantly, with neomycin only. Water intake decreased with the different antibiotics.