| Sumario: | This study evaluated the effects of L-arginine supplementation on blood parameters, kidney and liver function, immunoglobulins and noninflammatory infiltrates in the small intestines of rats subjected to chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups (8 rats/group): an untreated control group, and test groups receiving one dose of 5-FU (G5-FUgroup), one dose of 5-FU and 295 mg L-arginine/day (GArg295group) or one dose of 5-FU and 458 mg L-arginine/day (GArg458group). Neutrophil count, platelet count, serum IgA, and fibrinogen levels in GArg295and GArg458remained within normal limits after chemotherapy. In addition, in GArg458the inflammatory bowel infiltrates improved in 57% of the rats, which showed mild inflammation. The results suggest that daily supplementation with 295 or 458 mg L-arginine attenuates the side effects of 5-FU, including thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, and modulates IgA production. Supplementation with 458 mg of L-arginine/day can also reduce mucositis levels in the small intestine after 5-FU chemotherapy.
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