BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the association of glutamine and probiotics on the colonic mucosal trophism in experimental peritonitis. METHOD: 16 Wistar rats (250-350g) with experimental peritonitis created by double cecal puncture were randomized to receive postoperatively in conjunction with rat chow the daily gavages of either 0,500g of glutamine and reconstituted milk containing probiotics (10(6) colony-forming units/g of Bifidobacterium lactis BL and Streptococcus thermophilus) (glutamine-probiotics group; n=8) or 0,495g of caseine and reconstituted milk without probiotics (control group; n=8). The contents of the two diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. All animals were killed 120h after the creation of the peritonitis. Crypt depth and wall width of the colonic mucosa were registered in biopsies taken 2 cm above peritoneal reflexion. The rest of the colonic mucosa was weighted and assayed for DNA content. RESULTS: Animals receiving glutamine ans probióticos presented greater mucosal weight (0,49±0,12 vs. 0,42±0,07g; p=0,02), DNA content (0,31±0,07 vs 0,22±0,05 mg/g de tecido; p<0,01) e deeper crypts (272±51 vs. 311±39µ; p=0,04) than controls. CONCLUSION: The association of glutamine and probiotics enhances colonic mucosal trophism in rats under experimental peritonitis.
Peritonitis; Rats, Wistar; Probiotics; Glutamine; Intestinal mucosa; Colon
