Alterations in the intestinal wall due to protein malnutrition in rats: evaluation of the rupture strength and the tissue's collagen.

Purpose: To study the effect of protein malnutrition on the intestinal wall of rats by evaluating alterations in the rupture force and dosing tissue collagen in the ileum and distal colon.

Methods: One hundred and twenty rats, that had an average weight of 100g, were used. They received water and a standard diet with 20% protein during 7 days for adaptation to the diet itself and to environmental conditions.