Angelica sinensis modulates migration and proliferation of gastric epithelial cells

A crude extract from Angelica sinensis (ASCE), which mainly consists of pol ysaccharides, pre vents ethanol- or indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal da mage and promotes ulcer healing. The aim of this study was to test the hypo thesis that ASCE has a direct stimulating effect on gastric epithelial cell s for wound healing. We found that ASCE significantly promoted the migratio n of epithelial cells over an artificial wound on the surface of an RGM-1 m onolayer. The extract also stimulated DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent man ner and concomitantly increased EGF mRNA expression. Go-incubation of ASCE with anti-EGF antibody reduced the speed of mi,oration and the DNA synthesi s, which however were still higher than the control without ASGE. These res ults strongly suggest that ASCE has a direct wound healing effect on gastri c mucosa, and this is acting partially through an EGF-mediated pathway. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.