An experimental study on cell dynamic alteration in digestive organs following total parenteral nutrition in dogs.

To investigate the effects of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on the alimentary tract, liver and pancreas, dogs were kept under TPN for 3 weeks, and changes in the cell dynamics of those organs and gastrointestinal hormones were evaluated. DNA synthesis activity in the mucosa of the stomach, jejunum and ileum decreased after TPN, and these changes recovered after oral refeeding. However, in the nonmucosal structures of the gastrointestinal wall, liver and pancreas, no corresponding changes were observed. Serum gastrin concentration was lowered after TPN, and it recovered after oral refeeding. A positive correlation was observed between serum gastrin level and DNA synthesis activity in the mucosa of the stomach, jejunum and ileum at all periods. However, enteroglucagon and pancreatic glucagon in the blood did not show any changes after TPN. In conclusion, TPN-induced changes in cell dynamics in the mucosa of the alimentary tract are reversible after resumption of oral feeding, and the serum gastrin release may be a regulating factor in these changes.