The expression of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor‐α mRNA in the small intestine of suckling rats: organ culture study

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Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor‐α (TGF‐α) are associated with regulation of various gastrointestinal functions. In order to better understand their role in developing small intestine EGF, TGF‐α and EGF‐R steady‐state mRNA levels and transcript stability were determined. Reverse transcription (RT) competitive‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed that intestinal TGF‐α 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‐α mRNA was remarkably lower than the stability of EGF mRNA. High levels of TGF‐α mRNA accompanied by high degradation rate of this mRNA suggested a rapid turnover of intestinal TGF‐α mRNA.