Impact of the gut microflora on the digestive system in the suckling rat
The postnatal development of the gastrointestinal (GI) system in mammals is genetically programmed, but is, to an unknown extent, regulated by external factors such as the diet and the gut microflora. These factors can influence the growth of the GI tract, the age-related pattern of appearance of digestive enzymes and the decreased intestinal macromolecular permeability at gut closure, normally ti