We have established an animal model for studies of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) regimen. Pigs were given long-term lipid based TPN after a formula recommended to children. Central venous catheter colonization rate was not significantlyraised in entirely parenterally fed animals. In the same animals, intestinal microflora-associated characteristics and light microscopic evaluation of the intestinal mucosa indicated a quantitative intact mieroflora and absence of mucosal atrophy.Still morbidity was significantly higher in entirely parenterally fed animals given the same caloric load as enterally ted. Since there was a dietary substance (lat, protein and carbohydrate) unbalance, however, it is impossible to conclude whetherthe TPN was insufficient or had adverse efleets. The model will permit further investigtion of such TPN effects
