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Effects of epidermal growth factor on neonatal growth of rat intestines
K Odaka1, Y Hiramatsu, K Eguchi
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Medical School, Japan.
Insights
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) enhances neonatal rat intestinal growth and function. EGF administration increased enzyme activities and small intestine weight, suggesting improved development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Neonatal intestinal development is crucial for nutrient absorption and overall growth.
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is known to play a role in cell proliferation and differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the development and function of neonatal rat intestines.
- To assess changes in brush border enzyme activities and intestinal weight following EGF administration.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal rats (5 and 12 days old) were administered EGF via subcutaneous injection or oral gavage.
- Enzyme activities including sucrase, trehalase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) were measured.
- Small intestine weight was compared between EGF-treated and control groups.
Main Results:
- Subcutaneous EGF administration significantly increased sucrase, trehalase, ALP, and gamma-GTP activities in 5-day-old rats.
- Oral EGF administration also accelerated gamma-GTP activity.
- EGF treatment for 10 days in 12-day-old rats resulted in significantly heavier small intestines compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) positively influences neonatal intestinal growth and functional maturation.
- EGF administration can enhance brush border enzyme expression and promote intestinal enlargement in early life.
- These findings highlight EGF's potential role in supporting neonatal gut development.
Abstract:
The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on neonatal intestines were examined in the rat. In 5-day-old rats, sucrase, trehalase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) activities in the small intestines were significantly increased after subcutaneous injection of EGF for 3 days (1 microgram/rat/day). gamma-GTP activity was also accelerated after oral EGF administration (2 micrograms/rat/day). Small intestines of 12-day-old rats injected with EGF for 10 days (1 microgram/rat/day) were significantly heavier than those of controls. These results suggest that EGF influences neonatal growth improving enlargement and functional development of their intestines.