[Intestinal trophic effect of neurotensin after colectomy]

Neurotensin is a trophic peptide for the intestinal mucosa. Intestinal resection is a well known adaptive process of mucosal growth. Our aim was to determine the effect of exogenous neurotensin administration on intestinal mucosal growth after colectomy in the rat. Two groups: colon resection (n = 15) and colon resection plus neurotensin (n = 15, 600 micrograms/kg/day, 13 days post-surgery) were studied. Intestinal growth was assessed by means of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) technique on the intestinal crypt. Our results showed that neurotensin increased (p < 0.0001) epithelial cell growth when compared to non treated animals. Body weight loss was found in the non treated group but not in neurotensin treated animals. In conclusion, neurotensin increases cell growth in rats with colectomy, and maintains body weight. Neurotensin may have beneficial effects in colectomized patients.