Epidermal growth factor (hEGF) has no effect on murine intestine epithelial damage and regeneration after melphalan

The effect of epidermal growth factor (hEGF) on intestinal epithelial damage by melphalan was explored in CBA mice. Human EGF was administered in doses of 100 micrograms kg-1 or 1000 micrograms kg-1 using a variety of schedules. Mucosal damage was assessed 4, 8 and 13 days later, by [14C]-xylose uptake and by microcolony survival of jejunum, ileum and colon. The only regimen to show enhanced jejunal crypt survival was administration of hEGF, 100 micrograms kg-1, i.p., 8 hourly, beginning 24 h before melphalan treatment. Oral administration of hEGF had no effect on melphalan induced damage nor on subsequent recovery of intestinal mucosa. Activity of hEGF in mice was confirmed by demonstration of precocious eyelid opening in newborn mice. No consistent protective or restorative effect of hEGF on melphalan-induced intestinal epithelial damage could be demonstrated with the doses and schedules used.