Effects of epidermal growth factor on neonatal pancreatic growth in the guinea pig

Conclusion. EGF and/or transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) are likely to be important in the rapid pancreatic growth that occurs in the neonatal guinea pig. Background. Rapid pancreatic growth is observed during the neonatal period in the guinea pig. The growth factors that are involved are not known but may include members of the EGF family. Methods. Mini-osmotic pumps were implanted on the day of birth for continuous infusion of EGF (30 μg/d). Pancreatic DNA, RNA, and protein contents were determined at 4 and 15 d, along with wet weights of the pancreas, duodenum, jejunoileum, colon, and gallbladder. Pancreatic EGF and TGF-α concentrations were measured in adult controls, in control neonates at 1, 4, 8, and 15 d, and also at d 4 and 15 in guinea pigs receiving either EGF or the cholecystokinin receptor antagonist devazepide (25 nmol/kg/h). Results. EGF infusion significantly increased the weight of the stomach and duodenum at 4 d and all the gastrointestinal organs, including the pancreas, at 15 d. Exogenous EGF increased pancreatic DNA, RNA, and protein content at 4 and 15 d. Endogenous EGF and TGF-α concentrations in the pancreas were significantly higher at birth than in adults (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) and declined during the first 2 wk postpartum. At 15 d, EGF concentrations remained significantly higher than adult levels (P < 0.01), but TGF-α concentrations had declined to adult values. Infusion of EGF decreased concentrations of endogenous EGF in the pancreas at 4 and 15 d (both P < 0.05) and decreased TGF-α concentrations at 4 d (P < 0.001). Devazepide infusion caused a significant decrease in endogenous pancreatic EGF concentrations at 15 d (P < 0.05).