Expression of hepatocyte growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor and their receptors in experimental chronic pancreatitis

Background Hepatocyte (HGF) and Keratinocyte growth factors (KGF) are key f actors of tissue organization and regeneration. These peptide growth factor s and their receptors c-met and keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) are overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. Aim Expression and localization of ligands and receptors were investigated during the development of experimental chronic pancreatitis. Methods Chronic pancreatitis was induced in rats by intravenous injection o f dibutyltin dichloride. One to 60 days after treatment, the expression of growth factors and receptors was analysed by competitive polymerase chain r eaction, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Results HGF mRNA expression increased (10-fold) until days 7-14 followed by a decrease to control level. Expression of c-met mRNA constantly increased (15-fold). KGF and KGFR mRNA expression were increased after 14-28 days (5 -fold) and then returned to control levels. mRNA expression patterns correl ated with changes in the protein expression, whereas protein levels of KGF remained unchanged. Ligands were localized in mesenchymal cells and their r eceptors on epithelial cells. Conclusions The significant increase of HGF and c-met expression suggests a n essential role of this growth factor in the morphological changes during the development of chronic pancreatitis. Changes in the expression of KGF a nd KGFR are less pronounced.