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In order to know the adaptive changes of small intestine regions (duodenum, and proximal, medial and distal jejunum-ileum) due to the reproductive stage (virgin, pregnancy and lactation), the weight, mucosal proportion, mucosal DNA and protein contents and protein/DNA ratio in female Wistar rats were measured. Pregnancy induces hypertrophy of the proximal half of the small intestine (duodenum and proximal jejunum-ileum), whereas lactation induces hyperplasia in all small intestinal regions and also hypertrophy but only in the duodenum.

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