Effect of Administered Human Growth Hormone on Protein Metabolism in Septic Rats

Abstract

The effect of administered human growth hormone (hGH) on protein metabolism in septic rats was investigated. Fifty-three male Wistar rates with SVC cannulation were divided into four groups. Group I (n = 10) underwent sham-operation. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation in group II (n = 19), group III (n = 10), and group IV (n =14). Isocaloric, isonitrogenous glucose/amino acids were infused for 4 days. hGH was administered in group III (100 mU/day) and group IV (200 mU/day) every day. Cumulative nitrogen balance (mg/ kg) in group IV was significantly higher than in group II (p < 0.01): group I, 1264 ± 355; group II, 117 ± 693; group III, 92 ± 735; group IV, 1001 ± 279. Cumulative urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine (3-MH, mg/kg) did not differ between group II and group IV: group I, 6.2 ± 0.9; group II, 12.0 ± 2.2; group III, 13.4 ± 2.9; group IV, 10.5 ± 2.3. Serum albumin level in group IV (1.8 ± 0.2 g/dl) was significantly higher than in group II (1.5 ± 0.2 g/dl) (p < 0.01). Blood urea nitrogen level in group IV (12.6 ± 2.3 mg/dl) was significantly lower than in group II (18.8 ± 7.4 mg/dl) (p < 0.05). Although serum levels of glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and phospholipid were higher in sepsis groups than in sham-operated group, those levels did not differ among sepsis groups. Administration of hGH, 200 mU/day, resulted in marked nitrogen retention and had little effect on 3-MH excretion. These data suggest that exogenously administered growth hormone mainly favors the conservation of visceral protein compartment in the septic state. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 13:450-454, 1989)