Background: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) negatively influences the gut mucosal barrier. It has been suggested that enteral nutrition is effective against the harmful influence.
Methods: Forty-eight male Donryu rats underwent placement of a central venous catheter and tube gastrostomy. They were divided into six groups, receiving isocaloric nutrients in various proportions of PN and a low residual diet (LRD) for 7 days.
Results: Intestinal permeability, villous height and crypt depth, and number of secretory IgA-positive cells in the villus were measured. Intestinal permeability was significantly reduced in rats receiving an LRD corresponding to more than 15% of total caloric intake. Gut morphological structure was maintained in rats receiving an LRD corresponding to more than 10%. A higher number of IgA-positive cells was observed in rats receiving an LRD corresponding to more than 15%.
Conclusions: A small amount of LRD could prevent decreases in gut mucosal integrity. There was a stepwise defense mechanism in the gut mucosal barrier.