Bacterial colonization and healing of gastric ulcers: the effects
of epidermal growth factor.
Elliott, Susan N., J. L. Wallace, W. McKnight, D. G. Gall, J. A.
Hardin, M. Olson, and A. Buret.
Department of 1Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2Gastrointestinal
Research Group, and 3Department of Biological Sciences, University of
Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
APStracts 6:0245G, 1999.
Experimental gastric ulcers are rapidly colonized by various bacteria,
resulting in significantly impaired healing. Epidermal growth factor
(EGF) is capable of preventing bacterial colonization of the healthy
intestinal mucosa. In this study, we examined the possibility that
EGF accelerates gastric ulcer healing by reducing bacterial
colonization of the ulcer. Gastric ulcers were induced by serosal
application of acetic acid. The effect of daily administration of EGF
on ulcer healing and bacterial colonization was assessed, and
compared to the effect of daily treatment with broad-spectrum
antibiotics. EGF administration reduced colonization levels and
accelerated ulcer healing as effectively as the antibiotic treatment.
EGF was without effect on acid secretion or neutrophil infiltration
into the ulcer. Bacterial growth was not inhibited in the presence of
EGF in vitro. These results demonstrate that EGF reduces bacterial
colonization during an established infection of a compromised mucosal
surface. This effect may contribute to the ability of EGF to
accelerate gastric ulcer healing. This effect is acid-independent and
not due to an anti-inflammatory effect or to direct bactericidal
actions.
Received 18 August 1999; accepted in final form 18 October 1999.
APS Manuscript Number G325-9.
Article publication pending Am. J. Physiol. (Gastrointest. Liver
Physiology).
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1999 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 22 October 1999