COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF GROWTH-HORMONE IN LARGE AND SMALL-BOWEL RESECTION IN THE RAT

Our aim was to assess the proliferative effect of human growth hormone on ileal mucosa after two different adaptation models of massive smal l and massive large bowel resection. Male Wistar rats were assigned to control-laparotomy, 90% small bowel resection, or 75% large bowel res ection and were treated with either saline or human growth hormone dai ly for 7 days (total six groups; n = 8/group). Heal proliferative stat us was assessed by means of histomorphometry and proliferating cell nu clear antigen. Plasma somatostatin was quantitated. Growth hormone inc reased (P < 0.01) mucosal height in all groups with a more marked effe ct on the crypt than on villus height. Proliferating cell nuclear anti gen-labeled cells increased similarly (P < 0.01). Small bowel resectio n appears to favor a more marked increment in villus height than large bowel resection. Compared to control saline-treated group, the remain ing groups showed decreases in plasma somatostatin (P < 0.01). Human g rowth hormone has a marked trophic effect on intestinal mucosa, even i n hyperproliferative states. Decreased plasma somatostatin associated with intestinal hyperplastic mucosa suggests a possible relationship w ith the adaptive process. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.