Absorption of protein in the early postoperative period in chronic conscious dogs.

Postoperative alterations in amino acid exchange across the intestinal tract and in the capacity for protein absorption were investigated in a chronic canine model. Changes in postoperative splanchnic amino acid exchange consisted of a temporary decrease of total splanchnic amino acid release, including a significant reduction in alanine production, and an increase in glutamine consumption. Contrary to results under stable metabolic conditions, branched chain amino acids were also taken up by the intestine in the early postoperative period. The changes in postoperative amino acid exchange were not, however, reflected by a corresponding alteration in protein transport capacity. The absorptive capacity for a protein hydrolysate remained stable during the early postoperative period.