The Effect of Taurine on the Glucose Absorption in the Small Intestine

Abstract

   Although taurine is known to lower blood glucose levels and improve hyperglycemia, its effects on glucose transport in the small intestine have not yet been investigated. In the present study, we elucidated the effect of taurine on glucose absorption in the small intestine. In the oral glucose tolerance test, addition of 10 mM taurine suppressed the increase of the hepatic portal glucose concentrations. In the assay using the everted sac of the rat jejunum, addition of taurine to the mucosal side of the jejunum suppressed active glucose transport via sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1). After elimination of the chloride ion from the mucosal solution, taurine did not show suppressive effects on active glucose transport. These results suggest that taurine suppressed the increase of the hepatic portal glucose concentrations via the suppression of SGLT1activity in the rat jejunum depending on the chloride ion.