Abstract
In this study we investigated the nutritionaleffects of parenteral solutions with three different calories and the differences in nutritional effect between intravenous and oral feeding in rats.
Rats were divided into three infusion groups (I, II and III), which were provided 111, 240 and 319 kcal/kg/day, respectively. The rats of Group IV were given the same calorie as the Group II by commercial diet. Nutritional status of rats in each group was evaluated by body weight change, nitrogen balance, blood chemistry, organ weights, and protein to DNA and RNA to DNA ratios in tissues.
Slight increases in body weight and positive nitrogen balance were observed in the Group II and IV after the first infusion day. The rats in the Group III showed gain in body weight and positive nitrogen balance, while the rats in the Group I exhibited marked loss of body weight and negative nitrogen balance. The ratios of protein to DNA and of RNA to DNA in the tissue were significantly lower in the Group I than in the other groups. No difference in nutritional status was observed between the Group II and IV. But, in the early stage of the infusion, the Group II had a tendency to be superior to the Group IV in the effect on body protein retention. These results suggest that the parenteral nutrition is more effective than oral nutrition as a route for supplying nutrients to traumatized rats.
