Postnatal undernutrition: effect of epidermal growth factor on growth and function of the gastrointestinal tract in rats.

摘要: Rats were kept undernourished from birth to 24 days of age. At 17 age, the animals divided into two groups and then injected with either saline or epidermal growth factor (EGF; 20 μg/kg) once a day for 7 days. They killed 12–14 h after last injection at which time old. During experimental period prevented weaning. A well-nourished group (weaned) was also included. Undernutrition by itself significantly decreased body weight oxyntic gland area, antrum, small intestine. This accompanied parallel reduction in DNA, RNA, protein content However, administration EGF rats resulted partial reversal situation. In rats, caused significant enhancements as well gastrointestinal tissues their nucleic acid when compared saline-treated controls. Furthermore, magnitude stimulation found be greater than intestine following administration. The antral serum gastrin levels not affected EGF. both saline- EGF-treated lactase, sucrase, alkaline phosphatase activities (expressed total or. specific activity) higher animals. Total maltase activity did differ between groups, but expressed activity, revealed values It is concluded that whereas promotes general growth, it does affect functional maturation digestive tract.