[Administration of growth hormone enhances the intestinal adaptive response after resection of small intestine in rats].

The aim of this study was to assess the proliferative effect of growth hormone (GH) on the remnant intestinal mucosa after small bowel resection in the rat. Three groups (n = 8/group) of adult Wistar rats were established as follows: 1) control, 2) 90% small bowel resection (SBR) and 3) 90% small bowel resection + GH 1 mg/kg-day (SBR+GH) during 7 days. Ileal samples were taken prior to resection (basal), and at sacrifice, for assessment of intestinal mucosal growth by means of morphometric (crypt and villous length) and proliferative (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PCNA) techniques. GH administered to resected rats (SBR+GH) significantly increased the number of proliferating cells and crypt and villous length when compared to resected non-treated animals (SBR). In conclusion, in the rat, GH markedly increases the trophic action of intestinal mucosa in hyperproliferative states like massive bowel resection, enhancing remnant bowel morphologic and proliferative adaptation.