[Characterization of a rat model useful for studying the nutritional consequences of diarrhea].

Due to poor sanitary conditions, total global diarrhea mortality occurs almost exclusively in underdeveloped countries. Since, in these countries, sanitation is greatly overlooked, in the case of diarrheal disease, the emphasis must be oriented to treatment rather than prevention. An important aspect in the treatment of diarrheal disease is to avoid the malnutrition it causes and therefore, proper feeding during and after the diarrheal episode is a crucial issue.

[Effect of diarrhea on nutrient utilization in protein deficient or protein-calorie deficient rats].

Diarrhea increases the effects of malnutrition. Accordingly, the effect of diarrhea on two types of malnutrition (protein deficiency and protein-calorie deficiency) was studied. The experiment included 42 young Sprague Dawley rats.

Effect of the diuretic furosemide on urinary essential nutrient loss and on body stores in growing rats.

Studies using a model of non-infectious diarrhea, have shown that increasing fecal mass by using laxatives resulted in greater fecal losses of nutrients and lower intestinal absorption. In the present study we used a diuretic to determine if increasing urine volume could result in greater urinary losses of essential nutrients. This is a relevant question because diuretics are widely and successfully used in the treatment of diseases associated with water retention and hypertension.

[Lactose-induced diarrhea increases oxidative stress and it is more severe in rats deficient in vitamin E].

Diarrhea is the disease with high incidence in the world and causes infant mortality and malnutrition in the developing world. This justifies the study of nutrition and diarrhea. Due to ethical and financial considerations it is difficult to study nutrition and diarrhea in children thus animal models have become a convenient alternative.

[Effects of secretory and osmotic diarrhea on rats intestinal function and morphology].

In order to compare intestinal morphology and function, diarrhea was produced in rats using laxatives in the diet. The 14 day study included two groups of rats with diarrhea (osmotic or secretory), two groups without diarrhea but with a degree of malnutrition which was similar to that seen in the rats with diarrhea (malnourished without diarrhea) and a well-nourished group (control). The inclusion of laxatives(lactose or bisoxatin acetate) cause a reduction in food intake, diarrhea an malnutrition.