Effects of epidermal growth factor on gastrointestinal electromyographic activity of conscious sheep

Adult sheep were infused with depilating doses of epidermal growth factor (EGF) at 4 micrograms/kg per h for 24 h. Food was available ad libitum during recording of integrated electromyographic (EMG) activity of the gastrointestinal tract. In comparison with control sheep infused with saline, EGF reduced the frequency of A and B sequences of contraction of the reticulum and rumen over the 24-h period, an effect attributable to the consumption of less food. During the 24-h infusion, EGF stimulated phase III migrating myoelectric complex (MMC)-like activity of the duodenum with an associated decline in the EMG of the abomasal antrum. Infusion of EGF for 1 h at 2.5 and 5.0 micrograms/kg per h in fasted animals produced inhibitory effects on the frequency of A sequences of contraction of the reticulum and rumen during the infusion, and on the amplitude of the ruminal EMG during, and in the hour following, infusion. Phase III MMC-like activity of the duodenum was stimulated by EGF in fasted animals. It is concluded that in fed sheep, depilating doses of EGF have inhibitory effects on the EMG activity of the reticulum and rumen through reductions in food consumption and by other undefined mechanisms. Additional effects of EGF on the gastrointestinal tract of sheep include stimulation of duodenal phase III MMC-like activity.