GLUTAMINE-ENRICHED ENTERAL DIET INCREASES SPLANCHNIC BLOOD-FLOW IN THE RAT

The hemodynamic consequences of glutamine (Gln)-enriched nutrition hav e not been investigated. This study investigates the effects of a Gln- enriched enteral diet on organ blood flows and systemic hemodynamics. Male Fischer 344 rats (n = 24) were randomized to a group that receive d a 12.5% (wt/wt) Gln-enriched enteral diet or an isonitrogenous isoca loric control diet for 14 days. Blood flow measurements were performed at clay 15 using Sc-46-labeled microspheres. In the Gln-enriched grou p, higher organ blood flows were measured in the stomach (51%), the pa ncreas (35%), small intestine (32%), and colon (55%), compared with co ntrols. No differences were found in systemic hemodynamic parameters b etween the control and Gln-supplemented groups. A possible role for ni tric oxide in this splanchnic vasodilation was investigated. Daily uri nary nitrate excretion was measured during the study but showed no sig nificant differences between the control and Gln-fed animals. No diffe rences were found in plasma levels of the vasodilating hormone glucago n between the groups. These results show that a Gln-enriched enteral d iet increased splanchnic blood flow, which was not mediated by pancrea tic glucagon or increased nitric oxide production as determined by uri nary nitrate excretion.