[Lack of effect of EGF on epithelial barrier function in experimental TNBS colitis]

This study tested the hypothesis that EGF has a protective effect on the intestinal barrier function in experimental TNBS-induced colitis. EGF was given intraperitoneally one hour before and 24 hours after induction of colitis. The rats were killed 48 hours after induction of colitis: The distal colon was resected and mounted into Ussing chambers. Flux measurements were performed for Na+ and mannitol, and epithelial and subepithelial resistances were determined. A semiquantitative histological score was used to grade acute and chronic inflammation. Compared to controls, TNBS caused a 3-fold increase in both fluxy, indicating enhanced paracellular permeability. There rates was a severe reduction of total and epithelial resistances indicating a dramatic defect of epithelial barrier function. EGF failed to improve the electrophysiologic and histologic parameters. Therefore, EFG has no protective effective in experimental TNBS colitis.