rhEGF reduced the ulcer size of “unhealed ulcers” in rats

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Pharmacology 1999, Vol.79 (suppl.1), p.52-52
• Main Authors: Yokota, Mika, Amagase, Kikuko, Okabe, Susumu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0021-5198; 1347-3506
• DOI: 10.1016/S0021-5198(19)34233-7

This study was designed to examine the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on healing of "unhealed ulcers" in rats. Acetic acid ulcers were induced by submucosal injection of acetic acid. "Unhealed ulcers" were developed by repeated administration of IM (1 mg/kg X2/day) s.c. for 4 wks after ulceration. EGF was administered s.c. to the animals for 2 wks starting after the development of "unhealed ulcers" or after ulceration. In each group, the effect of EGF on gastric acid secretion in rats with ulcers was measured by pylorus ligation. The ulcer area and the wet weight of the stomach were determined. The histological study was performed by H.E. staining. Repeated treatment of EGF at 10, 30 and 100 μg/kgx2/day affect the healing of spontaneous healed ulcers. While, the ulcer size was large and deep in all animals which were given IM for 4wks and ulcer margin was clearly hard. EGF treatment reduced the size of "unhealed ulcers" at any dose. The stomach weight was significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. Repeated treatment of EGF increased the gastric acid output. In the histlogical studies, the length of regenerated gastric mucosa and the thickness of ulcer base were increased. Rupturing of muscularis mucosa shortened. In conclusion, EGF treatment was significantly reduced the ulcer size of "unhealed ulcers", presumably because its length of regenerated mucosa was increased and muscularis mucosa contracted.