Published online Oct 15, 1998. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v4.i5.437
Revised: May 12, 1998
Accepted: June 24, 1998
Published online: October 15, 1998
AIM: To determine whether recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) can protect gastric mucosa against ethanol induced injury in rats.
METHOD: Fifty-four SD rats weighing 200 g-500 g each were divided into six groups after fasting for 24 h. Three groups received different doses of oral rhEGF (30, 60 and 120μg·kg-1·d-1), one group was given cimetidine, one subcutaneous rhEGF (rhEGF IV) and one received saline as control.
RESULTS: Acute gastric dilatation developed in the control and cimetidine groups and bloody gastric juice was found in the control group. The ulcer index was 58 in control group, 53 in rhEGF I, 46 in rhEGF II (P < 0.01), 11 in rhEGF III (P < 0.01), 19 in rhEGF IV (P < 0.01), and 39 in cimetidine group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: rhEGF protected gastric mucosa against ethanol induced damage. The effect was dose-dependent with blood levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) at a dosage range of 60μg·kg-1·d-1-20 μg·kg-1·d-1. It was more effective by injection than via oral route at the same dosage.