OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of two amino-acids, glycine and glutamine, in the epithelialization of the colonic mucosa, size of the scar area, fibrous as well as the tensile strength of the intestinal anastomoses, after the removal of 17 cm of the colon and an end-to-end with interrupted suture. METHODS: Forty five male adult rabbits varying between 24 and 28 weeks of age with the starting average weight of 2,362 grams were randomly distributed into five groups, according to their respective type of feeding. Two animals died in each group due to different complications. The rabbits were divided into the following groups, according to the procedures performed on them: Group 1 - (n = 9) received supplemental feeding with glutamine for seven days before and as five days after the operation; Group 2 - (n = 9) received supplemental feeding with glycine for seven days before and five days after the operation; Group 3 - (n = 9) received supplemental feeding with glutamine for five days after the operation; Group 4 - (n = 9) received supplemental feeding with glycine for five days after the operation; Group 5 - (n = 9) did not receive any supplemental feeding. The resistance of the anastomoses was evaluated through the means of assay for pressure of rupture during intraluminal air insufflation. RESULTS: Group 2 was the only group that presented rupture values above those of Group 5 (p < 0.05). There was no difference among the groups concerning the histological aspects. CONCLUSION: Oral supplementation with glycine, in the pre and post-operative periods increases the tensile strength of colonic anastomoses after partial colectomy in rabbits. The oral supplementation with glutamine did not present detectable effect on the colonic anastomoses in rabbits.
Glycine; Glutamine; Anastomosis, surgical; Wound healing; Colon
