The effects of semistarvation and parenteral nutrition on the gastric mucosa of rats.

The effects of semistarvation and parenteral nutrition on the gastric mucosa were studied in 24 Wistar rats (250 to 350 grams). The animals were divided into three dietary regimens: Group I-standard rat chow ad libitum; Group II-50 cc. per day of a hyperalimentation solution containing 30% glucose + 5% amino acids; Group III-50 cc. per day of 5% glucose. The animals were fed for a period of 7 days. Gastric mucosal fluxes of Na+, Li+, and H+ then were measured after the gastric instillation of two gastric wash solutions, one primarily an HC1 solution, the other a solution of HC1 plus sodium taurocholate. Gross examination of the gastric mucosal surfaces were recorded. Compared to Group I (oral diet), Groups II and III demonstrated a decrease in volume in gastric secretion during the test period (p less than 0.005); and an increase in net negative hydrogen flux (p less than 0.005). Compared to Group II (hyperalimented), Group III (semistarved) demonstrated an increased net negative H+ flux (p less than 0.01), but no difference in volume of secretion. Only Group III demonstrated a difference in H+ flux after the addition of sodium taurocholate (p less than 0.05). Gastric lesions were significantly increased in Group III, as compared to Groups I and II. Semistarvation renders the gastric mucosa of the rat more susceptible to injury. Adequate intravenous nutrition alone protected against these effects.