The adaptive intestinal response to massive enterectomy is preserved in c-SRC-deficient mice

Background/Purpose: The Src family of protein tyrosine kinases has been imp licated in the downstream mitogenic signaling of several ligands including epidermal growth factor (EGF). Because EGF likely plays a role in adaptatio n after massive small bowel resection (SBR), we tested the hypothesis that c-src is required for this important response. Methods: A 50% proximal SBR or sham operation (bowel transection or reanast omosis alone) was performed on c-src-deficient (n = 14) or wild-type (C57bl /6) mice (n = 20). The ileum was harvested on postoperative day 3 and adapt ive parameters determined as changes in ileal wet weight, protein and DNA c ontent, proliferation index, villus height, and crypt depth. Comparisons we re done using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and a P value less than .05 was considered significant. Values are presented as mean +/- SEM. Results: The activity of c-src was increased in the ileum of wild-type mice after SBR but remained unchanged in c-src-deficient mice. Despite this lac k of increase, adaptation occurred after SBR in the c-src-deficient mice as demonstrated by increased ileal wet weight, protein and DNA content, proli feration index, villus height, and crypt depth similar to wild-type mice. Conclusions: The adaptive response of the intestine to massive SBR is prese rved despite reduced activity of the c-src protein. The mitogenic signaling that characterizes intestinal adaptation and is associated with receptor a ctivation by EGF or other growth factors probably occurs by mechanisms inde pendent of c-src protein tyrosine kinase. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunde rs Company.