Thermal injury and gastrointestinal function. I. Small intestinal nutrient absorption and DNA synthesis

The effect of acute burn trauma, produced by scalding hot water, on rat small intestinal nutrient absorption and DNA synthesis has been examined. Burned rats showed decreased small-intestine mucosal weight and altered small-intestine transport of nutrients (calcium, glucose, or amino acid) in vitro. In addition, there was decreased 3H-thymidine incorporation into intestinal DNA in vivo and decreased intestinal thymidine kinase activity in vitro 18 hours after acute burn. These data suggest that after the severe stress produced by acute burn trauma, there is altered small-intestine nutrient absorption and DNA synthesis. These alterations may affect delivery of nutrients by the gut to the burn patient.