Effects of urogastrone (epidermal growth factor) on the intestinal epithelium.

Recombinant urogastrone (human epidermal growth factor) was infused into rats in which intestinal cell proliferation was reduced to a steady state basal level by feeding them intravenously. Urogastrone elevated the augmented metaphase index and weight of all sections of the gastrointestinal tract in a dose-related manner. Infusion of urogastrone at a dose which has a minimal effect on gastric acid secretion significantly increased crypt cell production and tissue weights throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Intravenous urogastrone was also effective in restoring cell proliferation after the intestine had become hypoproliferative. Urogastrone administered luminally had no significant effect on either intestinal weight, crypt cell production rate, or metaphase collection.