Glutamine-supplemented total parenteral nutrition improves gut immune function.

Glutamine has been demonstrated to be an important source of fuel for the gut. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of glutamine-supplemented hyperalimentation on gut immune function. Thirty-six female Fischer rats were randomized into three groups: group 1 (chow) was fed rat chow and water ad libitum, group 2 (total parenteral nutrition) received a standard hyperalimentation formula, and group 3 (total parenteral nutrition-glutamine) received a hyperalimentation solution that contained 2% glutamine. Animals were maintained on their respective diets for 2 weeks and then killed. Mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested for culture, bile was assayed for secretory IgA, and bowel was excised to assay bacterial adherence. Results indicated that glutamine-supplemented total parenteral nutrition protects against bacterial translocation from the gut seen with standard formulas. This effect may be mediated by the secretory IgA immune system.