Effect of casein versus casein hydrolysate on mucosal adaptation following massive bowel resection in infant rats

Little is known concerning the effects of elemental diets on bowel adaptation following massive resection. Fourteen of 28 Sprague-Dawley rats (40-45 g) were subjected to a 60% jejunoileal resection. Seven of the resected animals and seven sham-operated controls were then placed on a diet containing all protein in the form of casein hydrolysate. The remaining seven resected animals and seven sham-operated controls were placed on a comparable diet in which all the protein was casein. Each control animal was paired with a resected animal. After 2 weeks, unidirectional glucose and leucine transport was determined from intestinal sacs made from the proximal 3 cm and distal 3 cm of the remaining bowel. The midportion was used for the determination of mucosal weight and protein and sucrase content. When expressed as a percent increase over control values per centimeter of bowel, only sucrase levels were significantly elevated in the distal bowel in casein hydrolysate-versus casein-fed animals. The mucosal protein level, mucosal weight, and glucose uptake did not differ from control values when expressed as a percent change. Leucine uptake was significantly decreased in casein hydrolysate-fed animals when compared to that in casein-fed animals in both the proximal and distal bowel, again when expressed as a percent change from the control values. The administration of protein in the form of casein hydrolysate following massive bowel resection does not adversely affect mucosal hyperplasia occurring after resection but may have an adverse effect on the enhancement of amino acid absorption.