Objective: To observe the effect of glutamine-enriched TPN and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH)on protein metabolism of recipient of rat small bowel transplantation.
Methods: Twenty four recipients of rat allogeneic heterotopic small bowel transplantation (SD-->Wistar rat) were divided into 4 groups randomly according to the presence or absence of glutamine or rhGH in TPN regimen. Cyclosporine A (CsA) was used as the immunosuppressant. The changes of body weight, nitrogen balance, urinary 3-methyl histidine excretion and plasma albumin level during 14 days after transplantation were observed.
Results: Applications of glutamine-enriched TPN or rhGH decreased the postoperative catabolism of protein of recipients. They promoted protein synthesis and positive nitrogen balance so as to minimize the loss of body weight and correct hypoalbuminemia. They were synergistic to other.
Conclusions: Glutamine-enriched TPN and rhGH can promote the protein metabolism of rat small bowel transplantation recipients effectively with the use of CsA, so as to improve the recovery of general condition. Their combination may have the synergistic effect.