GROWTH-HORMONE ENHANCES THE INTESTINAL AD APTIVE RESPONSE AFTER SMALL-BOWEL RESECTION IN THE RAT

The aim of this study was to assess the proliferative effect of growth hormone (GH) on the remnant intestinal mucosa after small bowel resec tion in the rat. Three groups (n=8/group) of adult Wistar rats were es tablished as follows: 1) control, 2) 90% small bowel resection (SBR) a nd 3) 90% small bowel resection + GH 1 mg/kg-day (SBR+GH) during 7 day s. Ileal samples were taken prior to resection (basal), and at sacrifi ce, for assessment of intestinal mucosal growth by means of morphometr ic (crypt and villous length) and proliferative (proliferating cell nu clear antigen, PCNA) techniques. GH administered to resected rats (SBR +GH) significantly increased the number of proliferating cells and cr ypt and villous length when compared to resected non-treated animals ( SBR). In conclusion, in the rat, GH markedly increases the trophic act ion of intestinal mucosa in hyperproliferative states like massive bow el resection, enhancing remnant bowel morphologic and proliferative ad aptation.