Effects of graded glutamine intake on liver protein metabolism following partial hepatectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To elucidate whether glutamine can influence the rate of regeneration and protein metabolism in regenerating liver.


METHODS
Liver regeneration rate, protein content and synthesis were measured in rats 7 days after a liver resection or sham operation. After the operation, the rats were fed three elementary isonitrogenous diets, one without and two including different levels of glutamine.


METHODS
Fifty-six rats were randomly assigned to either sham operation or liver resection. After the operation, they received an isonitrogenous, isocaloric elementary diet with a glutamine content of 0, 2 or 4%. The resected part of the liver was weighed and analysed for DNA and protein content. Seven days later, hepatic protein synthesis was measured by the flooding method using L-[3H]-phenylalanine, and the liver was analysed for DNA, RNA and protein content.


RESULTS
The regeneration rate was higher in the group receiving 2% glutamine but not in the group receiving 4% glutamine than in the 0% group. Total protein content was increased in regenerating liver in the 2 and 4% glutamine groups compared with the 0% group. Protein synthesis was higher 7 days after liver resection than in sham-operated rats. In the 2% group there was a tendency towards increased protein synthesis compared with the 0% group.


CONCLUSIONS
A diet with normal glutamine content improved liver regeneration rate, total protein content and protein synthesis in regenerating liver, but an excess of glutamine did not enhance this effect.
Skullman
S
S
Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Wirén
M
M
Chu
M
M
Permert
J
J
Garlick
P J
PJ
McNurlan
M A
MA
Larsson
J
J
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005973:Glutamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006498:Hepatectomy; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D008115:Liver Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012313:RNA / Q000378:metabolism; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D005973:Glutamine; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA