Abstract
A rat model relevant to pediatric praxis was designed in order to evaluate possible differences between continuous TPN and intermittent TPN. 1) Intermittent TPN resulted in stastically significant higher serum albumin level and nitrogen utilization. Plasma aminogramms showed similar pattern between intermittent TPN rats and orally fed rats. 2) Intermittent TPN rats had circadian rhythm in hepatic weight, glycogen, and protein content which were similar to those of orally fed rats. While continuous TPN rats lost the rhythmic changes. 3) Fat accumulated in the liver of continuous TPN rats, but not in the liver of intermittent TPN rats. These findings suggest that intermittent TPN may be nutritionally more beneficial than continuous TPN.
