The use of glutamine (GLN) and growth hormone (GH) improves intestinal adaptation in short bowel syndrome (SBS). The present study aimed to assess the effect of a diet rich in glutamine and the use of GH on intestinal adaptation in experimental SBS. 80 Wistar rats (240 g) were randomized into 6 groups: 1) RGLN (20)--95% small bowel resection and fed on GLN diet; 2) RGLNGH (20)--95% SBR, GLN diet and GH; 3) RC (10)--95% SBR and fed on a low GLN control diet (C); 4) RCGH (10)--95% SBR and C diet and GH; 5) TAGLIN (10)--intestinal transection and anastomosis (Ta) and fed on a GLN diet; 6) TAGLNGH (10)--Ta and GLN diet and GH. GH was given SC at a dose of 0.14 mg/kg/day. The rats were weighed daily and nitrogen balance was made. Rats were sacrificed after 15 days and mucosa cell proliferation was studied with PC10 antibody. Statistical analysis was performed. All SBR rats lost weight as compared to their initial weight (8% to 13%). GH improved Ta rats weight (18.98 x 5.04%). The use of GLN diet and GH improved nitrogen balance and bowel growth on SBR groups, as compared to controls, but not cell proliferation. In conclusion, the use of GLN enriched diet and GH improves intestinal adaptation after massive resection of the small bowel in rats.