EFFECTS OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR AND INSULIN ON MIGRATION AND PROLIFERATION OF PRIMARY CULTURED RABBIT GASTRIC EPITHELIAL-CELLS

We assessed the influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin on gastric epithelial restoration in vitro. Rabbit gastric epithelial cells were cultured and formed a complete monolayer cell sheet in 2 d ays. We created a wound (1.8 +/- 0.05 mm(2)) by denuding an area of ce lls, and EGF (0.1-30ng/ml) and/or insulin (1 nM-1 mu M) was added. The restoration process, which included cell migration and proliferation, was monitored by measuring the cell-free area every 12 h for 2 days. Proliferating cells were detected by sequential staining with bromodeo xyuridine (BrdU). Control cells showed complete repair in 36-48 h and restoration was accelerated dose-dependently by EGF or insulin. EGF pl us insulin further accelerated restoration, which was then completed i n 12-24 h. EGF and/or insulin increased the number of BrdU- positive c ells. The results indicated that EGF and insulin additively accelerate d gastric epithelial wound repair by stimulating both the migration an d the proliferation of gastric epithelial cells (particularly the form er).