Significance of Nucleosides and a Nucleotide Mixture Infusion on Hepatic Energy Metabolism of 70% Hepatectomized Rabbits in Postoperative Phase

Background: The influence of administration of a nucleoside-nucleotide mixture on hepatic energy metabolism was investigated in 70% hepatectomized rabbits from 48 to 72 hours after hepatectomy. Methods: From 48 to 72 hours after hepatectomy, animals underwent continuous IV infusion of 2 mL/kg body weight/h of 9 g/LNaCl (group S), 5.99 mmol/Lnucleoside-nucleotide mixture (group N1) or 11.98 mmol/L nucleoside-nucleotide mixture (group N2). Results: At 72 hours, there was no significant difference in the hepatic adenylate energy charge among groups (S, 0.84 ± 0.01; N1, 0.82 ± 0.02; N2, 0.85 ± 0.01). The hepatic mitochondrial phosphorylation rate was 66.9 ± 2.5, 76.3 ± 11.1, and 108.4 ± 14.1 nmol ATP/mg mitochondrial protein/ min in groups S, N1, and N2, respectively. The value of group N2 was significantly higher than the value of group S (p < .01). In addition, DNA concentration of the remnant liver was 2.27 ± 0.07, 2.56 ± 0.17, and 3.19 ± 0.42 mg/g wet liver in groups S, N1, and N2, respectively, showing a significant increase in group N2 compared with group S (p < .05). Conclusion: A continuous IV infusion of a nucleoside-nucleotide mixture to 70% hepatectomized rabbits from 48 to 72 hours after hepatectomy prolonged an enhancement of the hepatic mitochondrial phosphorylation rate and elevated DNA content of the remnant liver. (journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 20:211-214, 1996)