Epidermal growth factor attenuates the sclerotherapy-induced biomechanical properties of the oesophagus. An experimental study in minipigs.
BACKGROUND
The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the biomechanical properties of the oesophagus subjected to sclerotherapy was studied in Goettingen minipigs by means of impedance planimetry.


METHODS
Seventeen animals underwent three sessions of weekly endoscopic sclerotherapy. During these 3 weeks and for the subsequent 2 weeks they were treated with either EGF or placebo. After another 3 weeks an impedance planimetric study was done. Ten healthy non-sclerosed pigs were studied as controls. Impedance planimetry was performed by stepwise pressure-induced balloon inflation for analysis of oesophageal cross-sectional area 5 and 10 cm above the gastro-oesophageal junction (GEJ).


RESULTS
Systemic treatment with EGF (total daily dose of 30 micrograms/kg/day, administered subcutaneously) for 3 to 7 days per week combined with a weekly paravenous injection of 20-40 micrograms/kg attenuated the oesophageal damage caused by sclerotherapy, implying less pronounced narrowing 5 cm above and less dilation 10 cm above the GEJ.


CONCLUSIONS
These observations suggest a potential therapeutic role for EGF in attenuating sclerotherapy-induced oesophageal injury.
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002404:Catheterization; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011312:Pressure; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D003094:Collagen