Effects of intraperitoneal infusion of dextrose and amino acids on the appetite of rabbits.

We studied the effect of intraperitoneal infusion of various volumes and concentrations of dextrose (D) and amino acid (AA) solutions, in a variety of peritoneal dialysis schedules on food intake and biochemical profile in normal and uremic rabbits. Following omentectomy, a peritoneal catheter was implanted. Animals had free access to food, and consumption was measured daily by weight of the remaining food in the cage. We studied the effect of volume (30-50-100 mL/kg), dextrose concentration (0.5-1.5-2.5-4.25-6.6 g/dL) and AA (Travasol based) (2% in Dianeal or glucose-free solution). Dialysis schedules included once/day, twice/day, or four-daily exchanges similar to CAPD. The durations of the exchanges were 4-6 weeks and in certain groups, amino acid exchanges for a week alternated with dextrose exchanges. Our results indicate the following: omentectomy and catheter implantation significantly decrease food intake. There is a significant decrease in food intake after initiation of dialysis that returns to baseline after 2-4 weeks while dialysis continues. Higher volumes (100 mL/kg) decrease food intake significantly, especially with hypertonic solution of either D or AA. There was no difference in food intake between D and AA infusion in any amount of infused volumes. Amino acids do not seem to have a suppressing effect on appetite. However, large volumes and hypertonicity reduce food intake.