Effects of Human Epidermal Growth Factor on Natural and Delayed Healing of Acetic Acid-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats

Abstract

We examined the effect of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) on the healing rate of gastric ulcers induced in rats. These ulcers were produced by a submucosal injection of 0.03 ml of 20% acetic acid into the stomach. Healing of the ulcers was delayed when a daily s. c. injection of indomethacin (1 mg/kg) was given for 4 wks. hEGF (100 and 300 μg/kg), given s. c. for 2 and 4 wks, significantly accelerated both natural and delayed healing of the ulcers. hEGF significantly inhibited both basal (pylorus ligation) and histamine-stimulated acid secretion (acute fistula). Thus, hEGF accelerates the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers, presumably because of its potent antisecretory activity.

Key Words:

• Acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers
• endogenous PGs
• gastric secretion
• healing rate
• human EGF