Abstract

Purpose: The effects of growth hormone on bacterial translocation and on histopathologic changes both in the liver and small bowel together with the biochemical influences were aimed to investigate in a rat model of obstructive jaundice. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Wistar albino male rats were used in the study. Animals were randomised and divided into four groups: Group IControl, Group II Sham, Group III Obstructive jaundiced animals and Group IV Treatment group(GH). GH, 250 microgram per kg per day, was administered subcutanously for 10 days. Blood samples were obtained for measurments of bilirubin, ALT, AST, ALP and GGT on the operation day through cardiac puncture. BT was evaluated taking specimens from mesenteric lymph node, liver, spleen and cecum via laparotomy under sterile conditions. Results: Statistically significant differerence was found between Treatment Group and other groups in terms of total and direct bilirubin levels(p<0.01). While ALT, AST and GGT levels in the Treatment Group were noted lower insignificantly comparing to those in the other groups, there was a significant difference between ALP levels of Treatment Group and others. Although structural disorders seen in the liver and small bowel manifested partial improvements in the Treatment Group, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups(p>0.05). While the BT rates were similar in Group III and Group IV, it was found decreased in the liver of the Treatment Group comparing to that of Jaundiced Group Conclusion: It has been concluded that GH provides partial improvements in biochemical parameters and BT rates in obstructive jaundice. Once the trophic and cytoprotective effects of GH on the liver and small bowel combined with its systemic influences are taken into account, GH administration may lead to decrease in morbidity and mortality due to obstructive jaundice.