[Submaxillary gland epidermal growth factor accelerated healing of chronic gastric mucosal lesions in rats]

Large amount of EGF-like immunoreactivity was observed in the submandibular gland of rats with immunohistochemical method. The staining is mainly localized in the ductal cells. The level of EGF in gastric juice and serum was measured with a specific and sensitive RIA method. It was observed that EGF level was decreased both in gastric juice and in serum after sialoadenectomy and subsequent healing of chronic gastric ulcer induced by serosal acetic acid was delayed. Oral administration of EGF to sialoadenectomized rats could reverse the lowered rate of ulcer healing to almost normal level. The above results suggested that secretion of EGF may have an important effect on the healing of chronic gastric lesions in rats.