EFFECTS OF ALANYL-GLUTAMINE ON INTESTINAL ADAPTATION AND BACTERIAL TRANSLOCATION IN RATS AFTER 60-PERCENT INTESTINAL RESECTION

The effects of alanyl-glutamine dipeptide (Ala-Gln)-enriched parentera l nutrition on intestinal mucosa and gut barrier function were investi gated. Wistar rats were studied. After moderate surgical stress was in duced by 60% resection of the small intestine, the rats were randomize d to three groups: the chow group was given standard rat chow; the PN group received standard parenteral nutrition (PN); and the Ala-Gln gro up received glutamine dipeptide-enriched parenteral nutrition (3% Ala- Gln). Rats were maintained on their respective diets for 8 days. The c how and Ala-Gln groups maintained serum glutamine concentrations, inte stinal mucosal thickness and villus height, Bacterial translocation ra tes in the chow and Ala-Gln groups were 20%, which was significantly l ess than that in the PN group (70%, P < 0.05). The results indicated t hat Ala-Gln-enriched parenteral nutrition maintains intestinal adaptat ion and gut barrier function after massive intestinal resection and pa renteral nutrition.