Comparative effect of proteins, peptides, and amino acid mixtures on recovery from 70% hepatectomy in rats

The effects of proteins, peptides, and amino acid mixtures on the recovery from 70% hepatectomy were compared in rats. In Experiment 1, the most suitable time for the comparison was studied. Rats weighing 250 g after 70% hepatectomy were fed 20% casein diet. On day 0,1,2,3,4,6,8,11,15 post-operation, 3-5 rats were killed for the observation of recovery. The recovery time, evaluated by daily food intake, body weight gain, liver weight and compositions, and hematologic values was about 10 days. For the comparison of different nitrogen sources, we estimated that the 6th day after the operation when the animals did not fully recover was suitable. In Experiment 2, rats of each group after hepatectomy were fed one of 14 experimental diets containing protein (3 types), peptides (8 types), or amino acid mixture (3 types) for 5 days and killed on the 6th day after the operation. Daily food intake, body weight gain, liver weight and compositions, and hematologic values were measured and pathological examination was also done. The effect of different nitrogen sources were similar on the recovery after 70% hepatectomy with only a few minor exceptions in rats.