Organ Changes In Rats On Complete Parenteral-Nutrition

Complete parenteral nutrition (CPN) was administered to rats during a 12 day period. All animals had a normal appearance and bodyweight gain compared to control animals. Autopsy demonstrated a significantly enlarged weight and size of liver and spleen. Microscopical examination revealed sarcoid granulomas in these organs, increased area fraction of Kupffer cells and increased volume of red and white pulp in the spleen. Fat droplets in lung vessels, vascular inflammation and foam cells in the lung alveoli were also seen. The extent of organ changes was dependent on duration of CPN. There was no evidence of septicaemia. Rats killed up to 36 days after termination of CPN indicated that the organ changes are not always reversible.