[Elevated level of TGF-alpha in the mucosa of small intestine of the rat following massive small bowel resection].

This study was performed to determine the changes in TGF-alpha production during compensatory regeneration of small intestine. For this purpose rats underwent either 70% small bowel resection or sham operation. Levels of TGF-alpha production were evaluated by radioreceptor assay and Western blotting. When compared with sham operation, small bowel resection resulted in threefold increase in the production of TGF-alpha at postoperative day 3. Possible mechanisms of TGF-alpha involvement in intestinal adaptation following massive small bowel resection are discussed.