[Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in human duodenal ulcer].

Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was studied immunohistochemically in 111 cases of human duodenal bulb biopsy. The results showed that the expression of EGFR was strong on the luminal side of epithelial cell membrane, moderate in the basolateral membrane of epithilial cells and the cells of muscularis mucosae, low in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells, and lower in the mesenchyma and Brunner's gland. No expression of EGFR was found in lymphoid aggregates. The expression was evidently stronger in duodenal ulcer and duodenal ulcer scar. EGFR expression was correlated with the severity of inflammation, but was not related to sex and age. In conclusion, the result suggests that EGFR is correlated with mucosal adaptation to inflammation, ulcer healing and tissue reconstruction.