The expression of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-alpha mRNA in the small intestine of suckling rats: organ culture study.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) are associated with regulation of various gastrointestinal functions. In order to better understand their role in developing small intestine EGF, TGF-alpha and EGF-R steady-state mRNA levels and transcript stability were determined. Reverse transcription (RT) competitive-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed that intestinal TGF-alpha mRNA levels were 10-fold higher in comparison with EGF mRNA. The primary intestinal culture technique was used to evaluate mRNA stability. The stability of TGF-alpha mRNA was remarkably lower than the stability of EGF mRNA. High levels of TGF-alpha mRNA accompanied by high degradation rate of this mRNA suggested a rapid turnover of intestinal TGF-alpha mRNA.
Department of Pediatrics and Steele Memorial Children's Research Center, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson 85724-5073, USA. dvorakb@peds.arizona.edu
B
B
Dvorák
J
J
Kolínská
D L
DL
McWilliam
C S
CS
Williams
T
T
Higdon
M
M
Zákostelecká
O
O
Koldovský
D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D007583:Jejunum / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor