COMPARISON BETWEEN TRANSFORMING GROWTH-FACTOR-ALPHA AND EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR IN THE PROTECTION OF RAT GASTRIC-MUCOSA AGAINST DRUG-INDUCED INJURY

This study was designed to compare the protective effect of recombinat human TGF alpha or EGF against drug-induced damage to the rat gastric mucosa. Parenteral administration of TGF alpha and EGF prevented 100% ethanol-induced mucosal injury to a similar extent. Furthermore, both peptides, in non-antisecretory doses, significantly decreased the gas tric mucosal damage brought about by acidified aspirin. TGF alpha and EGF did not afford significant protection of the gastric mucosa when a dministered orogastrically. We also evaluated the effect of TGF alpha and EGF on insoluble (adherent) gastric mucin and found that both comp ounds dose-dependently stimulated adherent mucin in a time frame consi stent with their protective effect. In conclusion, TGF alpha and EGF a re equally effective in preventing drug-induced injury to the rat gast ric mucosa.