ANABOLIC IMPACT OF CIMATEROL IN CONJUNCTION WITH ENTERAL NUTRITION FOLLOWING BURN TRAUMA

Burn injury is characterized by increased energy expenditure, weight l oss, and muscle protein wasting. Studies have shown that beta(2)-adren ergic agonists have anabolic properties in the presence of increased m etabolism. This study investigated the effects of the beta(2)-agonist cimaterol in burned animals receiving enteral nutrition. Guinea pigs w ith gastrostomies were given a 30% total body surface area burn and fe d for 14 days. Animals received saline or cimaterol (0.15 mg/kg, SC) t wice daily. Energy expenditure was determined before burn and on postb urn days 3, 6, 9, and 12. On day 14, the soleus, gastrocnemius muscles , and heart were excised and weighed as a measure of muscle catabolism and anabolism. Carcass weight was determined to measure muscle catabo lism. Cimaterol increased (p < 0.05) total protein content, gastrocnem ius muscle, and carcass weights. The soleus muscle and heart weights, and resting metabolic rates showed no significant differences. Results suggest enteral nutrition with cimaterol decreases burn-induced muscl e catabolism.