EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR ATTENUATES JEJUNAL MUCOSAL INJURY-INDUCED BY OLEIC-ACID - ROLE OF MUCUS

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is present in biliary, pancreatic, and B runner's gland secretions. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of EGF on lipid-induced mucosal injury. The proximal jejun um of anesthetized rats was cannulated for perfusion of the lumen with emulsified oleic acid (40 mM oleic acid in 20 mM sodium taurocholate; pH 6.0). Mucosal epithelial integrity was monitored by measuring the blood-to-lumen clearance of Cr-51-labeled EDTA. Perfusion of the lumen with emulsified lipid increased EDTA clearance. Addition of EGF (0.5 ng/ml) to the lipid emulsion ameliorated the lipid-induced increase in EDTA clearance. Perfusion of the lumen with EGF alone stimulated mucu s secretion from goblet cells. This effect of EGF was abolished by atr opine. In addition, in atropinized animals there was 1) an exaggeratio n of the lipid-induced injury and 2) a loss of the protective effect o f EGF. Our findings provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that EG F provides protection against lipid-induced mucosal injury, in part, b y stimulating mucus production.