| The mechanism of absorption of sugars by Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) - Journal of Experimental Biology |
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Cover: The mechanism of absorption of sugars by Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus)
has been enigmatic because early tests for glucose transport through enterocytes
and against a concentration gradient were all negative, despite the high efficiency of uptake by these bats.
Thus, it had been hypothesized that glucose transport in the intestine of these bats
must occur via a paracellular route between enterocytes, rather than through the cells.
Measurements of sugar transport by these two alternate pathways suggest that,
unlike most mammals measured to date, most sugar transport in these bats is paracellular
(Photo credit: Amram Zabari, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel.)
Wojciechowski, S. M. Korine, C. McWhorter, J. T. C.R, Tracy, W. H. Karasov. and B.Pinshow 2007.
Absorption of sugars in the Egyptian fruit bat (I): A paradox explained. Journal of Experimental Biology 210:1726-1734.
Mitrani Department of Dryland Ecology Website
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