This study was performed to determine whether the infusion of nucleosides and a nucleotide mixture directly ito intestinal lumen can induce a regenerative effect on impaired intestinal mucosa. The effects of massive small bowel resention and also total parenteral nutrition were induced by surgical creation of Thirty-Vella fistual in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats received saline solution (Control group) or nucleosides and a nucleotide mixture(lower concentration group(Nucl) or higher concentration group (Nuc2) every two days into the fistula. Mucosal protein, DNA , ornithine decarboxylase(ODC) activity, and morphometry were evaluated at 9 or 21 days postoperation in the fistual and also in the residual ileal segment. On the 9th day, mucosal protein, DNA content, and villous surface area in the fistula and also in the residual ileum increased in rats that received nucleosides and a nucleotide mixture of lower concentration (Nuc 1). On the 21 th day, there were no significant differences in intestinal mucosa between the control group and the lower level nucleoside nucleotide mixture-treated group. The fistula villous height of the higher nucleosides and a nucleotide mixture group was higher than in the control rats. Fistula mucosal ODC activities were not significantly different between groups although the mucosal ODC activity of the residual ileal segment was increased on the 9th day. Our data suggests that this animal model is suitable for studying the effect of dietary factors on intestinal mucosal growth and regeneration after villous stropy , differentiating direct effects of diet on the intestine from systemic effects. It is also suggested that external nucleosides and nucleotides have supportive effects on intestinal mucosal regeneration.