BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of glutamine supplementation in the adaptive response of the intestinal mucosa in rats submitted to extensive resection of the small bowel. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were randomized to two groups of ten animals which received different nutrition regimens after operation: control group (GC n=10)-standard rat chow; glutamine group (GG n=10)-standart rat chow supplemented with 3.05% glutamine. The weight evolution, mucosa weight (PM), crypts depth (PC), vilus height (AV), thickness wall (EP) and the mucosal content of DNA were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the experiment both at the jejunum and ileum. RESULTS: In both groups all parameters showed significant increase in final values both at the jejunum and ileum (p<0,05), except for ileal PC of GG group (p=0,06). Among groups, the PC in the GC group was higher than GG at the initial jejunum (p=0.005) and the EP, both at the final jejunum and ileum was higher in GC group..There was no significant difference in the others comparations. CONCLUSION: there was no increase in the adaptative response using glutamine supplementation.
Short bowel syndrome; Glutamine; Dietary supplements
