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Updated: May 5, 2026
DNBS/TNBS Colitis Models: Providing Insights Into Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Effects of Dietary Fat
Published on: February 27, 2014
Keratinocyte growth factor ameliorates mucosal injury in an experimental model of colitis in rats
J M Zeeh1, F Procaccino, P Hoffmann
1Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA.
Background & Aims:
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is known to enhance tissue repair in the skin; however, its role in the gastrointestinal tract is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous KGF in an experimental model of colitis in rats.
Methods:
KGF was administered before or after induction of colitis with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid/ethanol. In the first two study groups, KGF (5 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 24 hours and 1 hour before induction of colitis; animals were killed 8 hours (n=10) and 1 week (n=10) after injury. In subsequent study groups, KGF or vehicle treatment was begun 24 hours after the induction of colitis at doses of 5 (n=20), 1 (n=10), and 0.1 (n=10) mg/kg intraperitoneally and continued once daily for 1 week. Colonic tissue samples were evaluated macroscopically and microscopically for mucosal injury and assayed for myeloperoxidase activity.
Results:
Administration of KGF after but not before induction of colitis significantly ameliorated tissue damage. Macroscopic necrosis and microscopic ulcerations were reduced by 40%-50% at KGF doses of 1 and 5 mg/kg.
Conclusions:
Exogenous KGF has a key role in mucosal healing in an experimental model of colitis in rats.
