Comparative effects of growth hormone in large and small bowel resection in the rat

Our aim was to assess the proliferative effect of human growth hormone on ileal mucosa after two different adaptation models of massive small and massive large bowel resection. Male Wistar rats were assigned to control-laparotomy, 90% small bowel resection, or 75% large bowel resection and were treated with either saline or human growth hormone daily for 7 days (total six groups; n = 8/group). Ileal proliferative status was assessed by means of histomorphometry and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Plasma somatostatin was quantitated. Growth hormone increased (P < 0.01) mucosal height in all groups with a more marked effect on the crypt than on villus height. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen-labeled cells increased similarly (P < 0.01). Small bowel resection appears to favor a more marked increment in villus height than large bowel resection. Compared to control saline-treated group, the remaining groups showed decreases in plasma somatostatin (P < 0.01). Human growth hormone has a marked trophic effect on intestinal mucosa, even in hyperproliferative states. Decreased plasma somatostatin associated with intestinal hyperplastic mucosa suggests a possible relationship with the adaptive process.