Epidermal growth factor prevents increased permeability and bacterial translocation in rats with acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation in rats with acute pancreatitis during total parenteral nutrition (TPN). METHODS: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent injection of 3.5% sodium taurocholate solution into the pancreatic duct were randomly divided into one of the following two groups: (1) received only TPN (control group) or (2) received TPN with EGF at a dose of 0.2 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) (Egf group). On fifth day of total parenteral nutrition, samples from mesenteric lymph nodes, pancreas, liver and spleen were harvested for cultures. Water, protein and DNA content in jejunal mucosa were determined. D-xylose and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FTC)-dextran were instilled into the lumen of a ligated segament of small intestine. Thirty minutes later, superior mesenteric vein D-xylose and plasma FITC-dextran concentration were measured. RESULTS: Positive cultures in liver and spleen, as well as FITC-dextran concentration in the Egf group were significantly lower than in the control group. Protein and DNA content in jejunal mucosa in the Egf group were significantly higher than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that EGF may prevent increased intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation in rats with acute pancreatitis during TPN.