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Epidermal growth factor receptor expression following small bowel resection
B W Warner1, W E Vander Kolk, G Can
1Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio 45229, USA.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Massive small bowel resection (SBR) causes slight increases in intestinal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) mRNA and protein. These changes suggest EGF-R signaling may not be a major factor in intestinal adaptation after SBR.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Massive small bowel resection (SBR) triggers compensatory adaptation in the intestine.
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is known to enhance this adaptation.
- The specific role and mechanism of EGF and its receptor (EGF-R) in intestinal adaptation remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of massive SBR on the expression of EGF-R in the rat ileum.
- To elucidate the temporal changes in EGF-R mRNA and protein levels during intestinal adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent either 75% SBR or a sham operation.
- Ileal mucosa was collected at multiple time points post-operation (6 hr to 4 weeks).
- EGF-R protein and mRNA levels were quantified using Western blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively.
Main Results:
- SBR led to a modest 32% increase in EGF-R mRNA at 1 week post-operation.
- A twofold increase in EGF-R protein expression was observed at the same time point.
- Slightly elevated EGF-R mRNA levels were noted at other time points, though not always statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Massive SBR causes a slight increase in ileal EGF-R mRNA and a more pronounced increase in EGF-R protein.
- These findings suggest that alterations in EGF-R signaling may not be a primary driver of intestinal adaptation initiation or progression after massive SBR.