Abstract
The effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on the catabolic and immune response induced by thermal injury were studied in burned rats fed by TPN. An increase of synthesis greater than the increase of breakdown resulted in improved nitrogen retention in the IGF-1 group. There was no effect on the mRNA in the structural proteins of the skeletal muscle and liver. However, the gene expression of albumin and the structural proteins of the diaphragm increased significantly in the rats receiving IGF-1. The proliferation of the gut mucosa and the fractional protein synthesis rate of the small intestine increased, and the endotoxin content of the liver and spleen were smaller in the burned rats that received IGF-1. Delayed type hypersensitivity increased significantly (p < .01) in the IGF-1 group. In conclusion, IGF-1 improved the whole-body protein metabolism, and albumin and respiratory muscle protein synthesis in the burned rats. It significantly promoted the proliferation of the intestinal mucosa, and reduced the intestinal translocation of endotoxin. Cellular immunity was also enhanced.
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