Aim: Our aim was to investigate the influence of legume feeding on the protein and nucleic acid content of intestinal tissues and muscles. Methods: Growing male Wistar rats were fed ad libitum on balanced diets containing cooked common bean or lentil as the unique protein source (180 g·kg–1 dry matter) for 20 days. The control group was pair-fed with an iso-energetic, iso-nitrogenous balanced casein diet. Results: Intestinal tissues were heavier in the legume-fed groups and higher relative mass (g per 100 g body mass) of protein, RNA and DNA were found in these tissues as compared to those of the control groups. In liver protein and RNA masses were significantly lower in the bean group than in the control group but the DNA content was not different in the legume and in the control groups. In gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, there was no significant effect of legume feeding on the fresh mass and on the protein and RNA contents, but the DNA content of the m. gastrocnemius was significantly lower in both legume groups than in their control group. The ribosomal capacity of intestines, liver and muscles was not significantly affected by legume feeding. Conclusion: Legume feeding had a trophic effect on both proximal and distal intestinal tissues; dietary fiber appears to be the main cause of this effect.

Keywords:
Beans, Lentils, Small intestine, Large intestine, Muscle, RNA, DNA
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© 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel
2004
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