The effect of relative bowel rest on collagen metabolism and suture holding capacity in the colonic wall. Studies in the rat.

In a previous experimental study it was shown that bowel rest with low residue diet led to a reduction of the non-collagenous substances in the intact, unoperated colon, while the collagen content remained unchanged. In the cecum, both the collagen content and the non-collagenous substances were markedly increased. In the present investigation the effect of relative bowel rest on collagen synthesis in the colonic wall was studied. Further, a possible influence on mechanical properties was evaluated. It was found out that bowel rest led to a marked decrease of collagen and protein synthesis in the colon. In the cecum, there was an unchanged collagen synthesis but an increased protein synthesis. It can be deduced that lysis of collagen is decreased in all parts of the colon. The depression of collagen turnover in the colonic wall was not accompanied by measurable changes in mechanical strength. It remains to be studied whether the observed changes in collagen metabolism do affect colonic healing.