Anabolic impact of cimaterol in conjunction with enteral nutrition following burn trauma.

Burn injury is characterized by increased energy expenditure, weight loss, and muscle protein wasting. Studies have shown that beta 2-adrenergic agonists have anabolic properties in the presence of increased metabolism. This study investigated the effects of the beta 2-agonist cimaterol in burned animals receiving enteral nutrition. Guinea pigs with gastrostomies were given a 30% total body surface area burn and fed for 14 days. Animals received saline or cimaterol (0.15 mg/kg, SC) twice daily. Energy expenditure was determined before burn and on postburn days 3, 6, 9, and 12. On day 14, the soleus, gastrocnemius muscles, and heart were excised and weighed as a measure of muscle catabolism and anabolism. Carcass weight was determined to measure muscle catabolism. Cimaterol increased (p < 0.05) total protein content, gastrocnemius muscle, and carcass weights. The soleus muscle and heart weights, and resting metabolic rates showed no significant differences. Results suggest enteral nutrition with cimaterol decreases burn-induced muscle catabolism.