Objective: To conduct a histopathologic examination of the effects of a combination of parenteral nutrition (PN) and starvation on rabbits' kidney tissue using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
Methods: Four groups consisting of equal numbers of adult female and male New Zealand rabbits were formed (n = 14 each). Rabbits in the PN + oral feeding group were provided with half of their daily caloric needs from rabbit feed and the other half through PN. Rabbits in the PN + starvation group received a full dose of PN daily and received no feed. Rabbits in the half-starvation group were provided with rabbit feed covering only half their daily caloric needs. Rabbits in the control group were provided with all their caloric needs from rabbit feed. After 10 days, all the rabbits were weighed, anesthetized, and euthanized, and their kidney tissue samples were collected. Histopathologic examination was performed by a surgical pathologist blinded to the experimental groups.
Results: The kidney tissue samples of rabbits in the PN + starvation group showed mild tubular dilatation, mild tubular degeneration, moderate renal inflammation, mild interstitial fibrosis, and increased apoptosis. The destructive effects were considerably milder in the PN + oral feeding group.
Conclusion: PN combined with starvation can cause devastating damage to the kidneys. The damage can be minimized by combining PN with enteral nutrition.