Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that the provision of glutamine and branched-chain amino acids would reverse the gut atrophy that accompanies parenteral nutrition. Three hundred seventy-five rats were randomized into 15 groups to receive either conventional parenteral nutrition, rat food, glutamine-enriched parenteral nutrition (0.5% to 2.5%), branched-chain amino acid-enriched parenteral nutrition (0.8% to 2.0%), or glutamine plus branched-chain amino acid-enriched parenteral nutrition (0.5%/0.4% to 1.25%/1/0%). When compared with effects of conventional parenteral nutrition, the infusion of either glutamine or branched-chain amino acids partially reversed, in a dose-dependent manner, atrophy of the small bowel as assessed by gut weight (p < .05), mucosal weight (p < .05), villous height (p < .05), crypt cell production rate (p < .05), and mucosal protein concentration (p < .05). There was no effect on the large bowel. These results suggest that the parenteral infusion of either glutamine or branched-chain amino acids partially reverses the small-bowel atrophy that is associated with the infusion of solutions of conventional parenteral nutrients.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
