TPN was begun immediately after the surgery with each half strength diet. On day 1, the rats received 250 k&/kg/day and 1.5 g N/kg/day (full strength diet). Glutamine supplemented TPN was isocaloric and isonitrogenous and glutamine was given as alanyl-glutamine. On day 2, 1 -‘4C-leucine was dissolved in each diet and given by a 4 hr continuous infusion (2.0 uCi/hr). At the end of isotope infusion, the animals were sacrificed and the liver was collected to determine fractional synthesis rate (FSR), using Garlick formula. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the liver were determined by HPLC. The rate of liver regeneration (RLR) was calculated from the estimated remaining liver weight (day 0) and the actual liver weight at the period of sacrifice. The arterial blood was taken to measure glutamine concentration by HPLC. Data are mean (SE).

RLR (%) C+STPN C+GTPN H+STPN H+GTPN

60.7 (1.6) 66.3 (2.0)’ Liver FSR (O/dday) 99.5 (6.5)* 106.1 (7 3)’ 134.0 (10.3)b 160.9 (6.9)C GSH (nmde/maJ Glut&ins (&&ml)

0.95 lO.20)’ 0.90 10.041’ 1.96 (O.O#’ 2664 (21.7+ 333.4ill.lp 377.3i176k

1 .a9 10.07v 506.3 ;34.7+

Stat. by ANOVA. Different superscripts indicate significant difference (P < 0.05)

We concluded that supplemented glutamine enhances liver regeneration in rats with hepatectomy, but GSH level was not elevated with glutamine supplementation.

P.93 The effect of enteral glutamine and branched chain amino acids on the gut. R. McCauley, K. A. Heel and J. C. Hall. Department of Surgery, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia. We have demonstrated that the administration of glutamine (GLN) and branched chain amino acids (BCAA) results in a similar reduction of the gut atrophy that is associated with the administra- tion of parenteral nutrition (JPEN 1993; 17: 348-354). It was spec- ulated that BCAAs have this effect by liberating GLN from the free amino acid pool in skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of enterally fed solutions of nutrients containing GLN and BCAA on jejunal morphology and glutaminase in catabolic rats. Thirty male Wistar rats (300-350g) underwent a standardised surgical procedure (neck dissection). They were then randomised to receive six days of enteral nutrition with either: 1) A solution of conventional parenteral nutrients (CPN), 2) CPN enriched with 2.0% GLN, or 3) CPN enriched with 2.5% branched chain amino acids (BCAA). These liquid diets were iso-nitroge- nous and isojoulic and were fed ad iibitum by bottle sipper. The rats were then sacrificed and standardised segments of jejunum were removed for analysis. The key results (mean + SD):

--. -_._.

126.8* 13.5’b 180.8f236~ 161.71 18.@ 2.22 + O.SPb 2.91 iO.6@ 2.Q+t0.95b

Plasma glutamine &m&l) -. 687 + 96’ 804iZW 725+ 104 ” = p < 0.05 using the Mann-Whtiney U-test.

Hence, enteral solutions containing GLN and BCAA have the same beneficial effect on jejunal morphology and this is associ- ated with a similar increase in the glutaminase activity of the jeju- nal mucosa. This supports the contention that BCAA influence the gut via GLN. However there may be other underlying mechanism at play because there was discordance in the relevant concentra- tions of plasma GLN.

P.94 Effect of oral glutamine on absorbtive func- tions of ileostomised patients. C. Bouteloup, P. Ddchelotte, B. Hecketsweiler, F. Mchot, J. Testart, E. Lerebours and R. Co/in. GBPDN and Department of Surgery, University Hospital Charles Nicolle F-76031 Rouen Cedex, France. Previous data support a promoting effect of glutamine (Gln) on sodium [1,2], glucose [3] and amino acid [4] intestinal absorption. In addition, Gln has beneficial effects on protein metabolism. Thus, glutamine could be helpful to reduce fecal losses and sup- port nitrogen balance of patients after intestinal resection. Eight orally autonomous ileostomised patients (previous resection: 15-140cm, mean 50cm) were studied over two consecutive 3- day periods in a randomised, cross-over fashion. During the Gln period, they received 10gr of Gln orally 5 times a day. Dietary intakes were maintained otherwise identical during both Gln and control periods. Fecal outputs of water, electrolytes, nitrogen and fat, and urinary water and nitrogen losses were quantitated daily.

Results: Mean (SD), for net or relative (%) absorption:

PMOd water abs (%) No (mEqld) Nabs% N batewe @r/d) LlpM. * % Glutamane 46 (W 114(81, 88(7)” 6.7 (2.q.. 76 (36) ContrDl 55 (26, 115(62) 78 (12, 28(15) 77 (23) “=p<Oot

Conclusion: Short term and intermittent oral intake of glutamine did not affect water and electrolyte losses in patients with limited intestinal resection. These results, however, do not dismiss a pos- sible promoting effect of glutamine during prolonged and continu- ous treatment of patients with a more limited absorbtive residual capacity. In addition, a high rate of nitrogen absorption was observed during oral administration of glutamine, which appears as a simple and efficient mean to ameliorate the nitrogen balance.

[l] Am J Physiol 1992; 262: G312-G316.

[2] Clin Nutr 1991; 10 (suppl2): 21.

131 Biochem J 1992; 283: 759-765.

[4] Gastroenterology 1988; 95: 63-68.

(Supported in part by a clinical research grant of FERRING.)

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