[Influence of recombinant growth hormone on protein metabolism during severe infection: an animal experiment]

We observed the influence of recombinant growth hormone (rGH) on protein metabolism during sepsis and found its mechanisms. Cecal ligation and puncture were choosen to duplicate the severe infection model. Animals of therapy group received rGH 1 U/kg/d after CLP operation, while sepsis group received normal saline. rGH accelerated regaining of the positive nitrogen equilibrium, improved plasma albumin level. rGH accelerated the recovery of intestinal mucosa glutaminase activity, preserved the normal structure of intestinal mucosa, reduced the portal venous endotoxin level and venous TNF level. rGH improved the albumin synthesis of isolated hepatocytes, and inhibited the expression of albumin mRNA level during severe infection. We conelude that rGH preserves the normal structure and function of intestinal mucosa during sepsis, and reduces gut origin hypermetabolism reactions. Moreover, rGH improves the synthesis of protein.