Malnutrition Impairs Postresection Intestinal Adaptation

ABSTRACT. Background: Postresection intestinal adapta-tion is influenced by several factors, including luminal nutri-ents. Adaptation is impaired in the absence of luminal nutri-ents, even if the nutrition is maintained via total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Reduced enteral intake also inhibits adap-tation if malnutrition is present, but the mechanism has not been completely defined. Our aim was to study the effect of reduced enteral nutrition on adaptation and enterocyte pro-duction and death after 50 % proximal resection in rats. Meth-ods: Eighteen Lewis rats underwent either transection (n =6) or 50 % proximal resection (n =12). The resected animals either ate ad libitum (n =6) or were offered 75 % of ad libitum intake (n =6). Nutritional status and intestinal adaptation were determined 14 days after surgery. Results: Resected animals receiving 75 % normal intake had decreased bod