The anabolic properties of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I are attenuated by oral diets that are low in protein. However, it is not known whether parenteral nutrition (PN) providing a low amino acid (AA) input will influence IGF-I action. With the use of a rat model, this study examined the interaction between AA input (1.27 and 0.62 g N. kg body wt(-1). 24 h(-1), AA and 1/2AA groups, respectively) and recombinant human IGF-I (rhIGF-I, 2.5 mg. kg body wt(-1). 24 h(-1)) infusion on the composition of the carcass and organs and on plasma insulin, IGF-I, IGF-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), and acid-labile subunit (ALS) concentrations. Carcass protein deposition only occurred in the AA groups (P < 0.003) and was not influenced by administration of rhIGF-I. However, visceral protein loss persisted in the AA group but was prevented by rhIGF-I infusion. The changes in water content of the carcass and the organs were generally in the expected proportion of normal lean tissue. The accumulation of lipid that follows the infusion of the AA-deficient PN was prevented by rhIGF-I infusion, which may indicate an improved energy utilization. Neither serum insulin nor ALS concentrations were influenced by the level of AA infusion but were reduced by rhIGF-I administration. However, plasma IGF-I levels were elevated by higher AA infusion and by IGF-I administration. Also, IGFBP-1 concentrations were reduced by the higher AA infusion and increased with rhIGF-I administration. Interestingly, there was a significant interaction effect between both of these influences. It is concluded that free IGF-I concentration, which may be regulated by IGFBP-1 through a direct effect of AAs on the liver, may have an important role in regulating anabolism in visceral and possibly skeletal tissue during PN.