The expression characteristics and their biological significance of epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor in intestine from the different developmental rats

Objective:To explore the localization and expression characteristics of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in intestine from the different developmental rats.Methods:Biopsies from embryonic rats(17 days, n =5),newborn rats(2 days, n =5) and adult rats(four weeks, n =5 ) were taken,embedded and cut.Immunohistochemical method was used to observe the localization and expression amount of both growth factors.Results:Positive immunohistochemical signal of EGF could be found in intestines from embryonic,newborn and adult rats,mainly in the intestinal villus cells,endothelial cells and fibroblasts.With the increase in age,the expression amount of EGF was increased.Although the positive signal of bFGF could also be found in the intestines from embryonic,newborn and adult rats,however,the signal of bFGF in intestine was weaker compared with that of EGF.Conclusions:The results indicate that the endogenous EGF and bFGF are involved in the action of the intestinal development in embryonic stage and the wound healing in adult after injury.However,the difference in expression amount of both growth factors indicate that the EGF may play a key role in intestinal development and repair compared with bFGF.