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Abstract
We studied gene expression for transforming growth factor (TGF)-α, epidermal growth factor (EGF), heparin binding (HB) EGF, and the EGF receptor following acute renal failure induced by mercuric chloride administration to gain insight into potential mechanisms of renal repair. Twenty four hours after HgCl2, 2 mg/kg, creatinine increased from 0.3 ± 0.01 mg/dl in controls to 2.2 ± 0.26 mg/dl in injured rats (n = 5, p < 0.01). Similar changes were observed after 3 days. Messenger RNA expression for EGF was decreased at 24 hours in HgCl2 treated rats and remained depressed for at least 3 days. On the other hand steady state mRNA for TGF-α increased nearly 2 fold at day 3 in HgCl2 treated rats 4 mg/kg. Heparin binding EGF was increased early, by day one in injured kidneys and gene expression for the EGF receptor was increased as well. Immunohistochemistry documented an increase in expression of TGF-α in injured kidneys at distal nephron sites. These studies suggest that TGF-α along with HB EGF may be important ligands for the EGF receptor during repair from renal injury.