[Effects of insulin-like growth factor-I in burned rats]

Effect of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on protein metabolism was investigated in burned rats receiving TPN. Twenty-six male SD rats were divided into two groups. IGF-I was administered to group IGF (IGF-I group, n = 14), but not to group C (Control group, n = 12). Loss of body weight after burn in group IGF was significantly lower than group C (p < 0.01). Cumulative nitrogen balance for 2 postburn days in group IGF was significantly higher than group C (p < 0.01). Rate of whole body protein turnover, synthesis and breakdown increased significantly in group IGF compared with group C. On the other hand, blood glucose was decreased significantly in group IGF (p < 0.05). Water balance made no significant difference between two groups. In group IGF, weight of the spleen, kidney, small intestine and colon increased significantly. Fractional synthesis rate and protein content of mucosa of the small intestine were significantly higher in group IGF than group C. From the histological point of view, mucosal layer was thickened and hyperplastic. Catabolism and surgical diabetes are caused in the surgical stress, and the administration of IGF-I are thought to be effective for improvement of those conditions. And IGF-I has the most remarkable effect on the small intestine of all organs studied in our experiment.