Gut structure changes in rats on continuous and intermittent complete parenteral nutrition

Diarrhoea is often seen as a complication in infants when shifting from a few weeks of complete parenteral nutrition (CPN) to enteral feeding. In this experimental study, the intestinal structure during CPN was investigated, whereby rats received a 10-day regimen of CPN continuously or for 12 hours per day. A third groups of rats received the same regimen enterally ad libitum. The weight and nitrogen content of the intestine decreased in the intravenously fed rats. Marked mucosal changes were seen particularly in the proximal part of the small intestine, where the height of villi and the nitrogen content decreased most. The decreased height of the villi seemed to be caused mainly by a decrease in the number of mucosa cells. No obvious advantages were seen by giving the regimen for 12 hours per day.