Glutamine in parenteral solutions enhances intestinal mucosal immune function in rats

Biliary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and proportions of IgA+ plasma cells, helper T cells, and suppressor/cytotoxic T cells in intestinal tissue were lower in rats receiving a standard total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution than in those receiving TPN enriched with glutamine. Parenteral solutions supplemented with glutamine may preserve the ability of intestinal immune tissue to produce sIgA-synthesizing plasma cells following antigenic stimulation.