Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Prevents Gut Atrophy and Maintains Intestinal Integrity in Septic Rats

Abstract

Background: The effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on gut metabolism, structure, and barrier function as well as its general anabolic effects were investigated in septic rats. Methods: Thirty-three male Wistar rats that underwent cecal ligation were randomly divided into one of the following two groups: (1) received only total parenteral nutrition(control group) or (2) received total parenteral nutrition with IGF-I (IGF group) at a dose of 4 mg/kg/d for 3 days. Results: During the 3-day period, the body weight of rats in the IGF group increased significantly over that of rats in the control group (17.1 ± 2.6 vs 5.8 ± 4.6 g, p