S. Ishikawa et al., EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR ATTENUATES JEJUNAL MUCOSAL INJURY-INDUCED BY OLEIC-ACID - ROLE OF MUCUS, American journal of physiology: Gastrointestinal and liver physiology, 30(6), 1994, pp. 70001067-70001077
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.