Effects of human epidermal growth factor on natural and delayed healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

We examined the effect of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) on the healing rate of gastric ulcers induced in rats. These ulcers were produced by a submucosal injection of 0.03 ml of 20% acetic acid into the stomach. Healing of the ulcers was delayed when a daily s.c. injection of indomethacin (1 mg/kg) was given for 4 wks. hEGF (100 and 300 micrograms/kg), given s.c. for 2 and 4 wks, significantly accelerated both natural and delayed healing of the ulcers. hEGF significantly inhibited both basal (pylorus ligation) and histamine-stimulated acid secretion (acute fistula). Thus, hEGF accelerates the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers, presumably because of its potent antisecretory activity.