Enteral glutamine increases growth and absorptive capacity of intestinal mucosa in the malnourished rat.
BACKGROUND
Glutamine is an important nutrient for the small intestine. Beneficial effects of glutamine could be related to restoration of optimal intestinal barrier functions.


METHODS
Thirty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to three main groups. Experimental groups (n = 22) were malnourished and laparotomized. Sham groups (n = 11) were laparotomized without prior malnutrition. These groups were refed with or without oral glutamine for 3 days. The control group (n = 5) was given chow. Permeability was assessed by the 6-h urinary recovery of orally given polyethylene glycols, PEG 400/1000. Mucosal proliferation was estimated by DNA content and 1-h incorporation of 3H-thymidine intravenously.


RESULTS
In the malnourished groups glutamine resulted in higher thymidine incorporation (p < 0.05) and better absorption of small PEG molecules (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The effects of oral glutamine on permeability after malnourishment and laparotomy are proposed to be related to an increase in absorptive area.
Wirén
M
M
Dept of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden.
Magnusson
K E
KE
Larsson
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D004032:Diet; D005973:Glutamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D007813:Laparotomy; D008297:Male; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism; D014316:Tritium
D005973:Glutamine; D014316:Tritium; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D013936:Thymidine