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Published on: March 16, 2017
Effect of epidermal growth factor on enterocyte brush-border surface area
J A Hardin1, A Buret, J B Meddings
1Gastrointestinal Research Group, Health Sciences Centre, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The American Journal of Physiology
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) rapidly expands intestinal absorptive surface area, increasing brush-border surface area by up to 60%. This effect, mediated by membrane redistribution, is blocked by verapamil.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a crucial role in intestinal epithelial cell growth and differentiation.
- Understanding EGF's impact on intestinal absorptive surface area is vital for comprehending nutrient absorption and gut health.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the rapid effects of EGF on the microvillus structure and overall absorptive capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on intestinal absorptive surface area in vivo.
- To determine the time course and mechanism by which EGF influences brush-border and total absorptive surface area.
- To assess the role of calcium channels in mediating EGF-induced changes in intestinal morphology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized blind jejunal loops in New Zealand White rabbits to administer EGF.
- Assessed brush-border surface area using electron microscopy at 30 and 120 minutes post-exposure.
- Measured total absorptive surface area with the fluorophore TMA-DPH at 10 and 60 minutes.
- Analyzed mucosal morphometrics, membrane composition, and fluidity in EGF-treated and control tissues.
- Investigated the effect of verapamil pretreatment on EGF-induced surface area changes.
Main Results:
- EGF significantly increased brush-border surface area by 42% at 30 minutes and 60% at 120 minutes.
- Total absorptive surface area, measured by TMA-DPH, more than doubled at 10 and 60 minutes after EGF exposure.
- The observed increase in absorptive surface area was completely abolished by intravenous verapamil pretreatment.
- No significant differences were found in mucosal morphometrics, membrane composition, or fluidity between control and EGF-treated groups.
Conclusions:
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) rapidly and significantly enhances intestinal absorptive surface area.
- The mechanism appears to involve the redistribution of existing microvillus plasma membrane, rather than new membrane synthesis.
- Calcium channel activity, as inhibited by verapamil, is critical for mediating EGF's effect on intestinal surface area.
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