Effect of recombinant human growth hormone on the intestinal structure of rats receiving bowel resection and parenteral nutrition

Recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH) can improve nitrogen balance and promotecell proliferation. Little is known about the relationship between rHGH and gastrointestinal mucosal structure and function after bowel resection and parenteral nutrition (PN). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rHGH on bowel mucosal structure and barrier function in rats receiving 50% small intestinal resection and PN. Thirty Wistar rats with central vein catheterization plus 50% small bowel resection were divided into three groups: chow (chow), standard (STD) and rHGH (rHGH). The chow group received chow food; the STD group was given standard PN; the rHGH group received standard PN plus rHGH (4.8 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously). The groups were maintained on their respective diets for 8 days and then killed. Body weight, small intestinal mucosal thickness, villus height and Goblet cells in the villus were measured. Body weight loss in the STD group was significantly greater than that in the chow and rHGH groups (P< 0.01). The mucosal thickness and villus height of rHGH group were significantly greater than the STD and chow groups (mucosal thickness: 806 +/- 5.5 vs. 533 +/- 6.0 and 593 +/- 6.0 microm; Villus height: 506 +/- 6.0 vs. 295 +/- 5.5 gm and 400 +/- 6.7 lam, respectively) (P< 0.05). The number of Goblet cells in the STD group was significantly greater than the rHGH and chow groups (9.06 +/- 1.07 vs. 5.35 +/- 1.48 and 6.10 +/- 1.51/per villus) (P < 0.01). rHGH can maintain body weight and promote bowel mucosal cell growth and might improve the barrier function of the bowel in rats after 50% small intestinal resection and PN.