Influence of epidermal growth factor and interferon γ on healing of oesophageal corrosive burns in the rat

Abstract

A study was performed to attempt to modify the healing response to severe oesophageal corrosive burns to prevent complications. The study was performed on four groups each of 15 Wistar rats: a control group, an untreated group and groups given epidermal growth factor (EGF) alone or EGF for 5 days and interferon (IFN) gamma from the sixth to 20th day. In the last three groups an oesophageal lesion was induced with 2.5 mol l-1 sodium hydroxide solution. The efficacy of treatment was assessed on days 2, 5 and 20 by measurement of weight gain, oesophageal internal lumen, stenosis index (wall thickness: lumen diameter) and collagen production. On day 5, collagen synthesis was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in rats given EGF than in the untreated group. On day 20, no significant difference was seen in weight gain between the control rats and either treated group and stenoses were present in all untreated rats and in none of the treated group. The stenosis index on day 20 was lower in the groups given EGF and EGF-IFN-gamma than in untreated rats (P < 0.05) and collagen production was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the group given EGF and IFN-gamma than in the other animals. The sequential use of EGF and IFN-gamma significantly reduced the frequency of residual stenosis.

The efficiency of sucralfate in corrosive esophagitis: A randomized, prospective study

“…Pharmacological agents such as steroids, penicillamine, heparin, indomethacin, epidermal growth factor, gamma interferon, N-acetylcysteine, estrogen, progesterone, antibiotics, and their combinations are used to suppress inflammation and collagen synthesis, and to prevent fibroplasia and stricture formation. Despite the decrease in stricture formation in these experimental studies, the rate of stricture formation seen in advanced-grade corrosive esophagitis is still 70-100% (6)(7)(8)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). Although the experimental studies have documented the efficiency of multiple agents, the current treatment protocol in corrosive esophagitis is still restricted to steroid, antibiotics and neutralization of the caustic agent in the early phase (13,(21)(22)(23)(24).…”

Influence of Pentoxifylline and Interferon-Alpha on Prevention of Stricture due to Corrosive Esophagitis

“…Although in most of the similar experimental studies, lye has been used, there are different opinions about the amount, concentration and duration of the caustic agent [3,[13][14][15]. Ingestions of alkaline solutions with a pH of less than 11.5 are considered relatively safe, whereas those with a pH exceeding this level may produce acute perforation and death or, more typically, esophageal stenosis and significant morbidity [1,13,16,17]. Solid lye substances tend to lodge in the oropharynx or upper esophagus, whereas concentrated liquid caustics cause damage to the distal esophagus and stomach [14].…”

Timing of illumination is essential for effective and safe photodynamic therapy: a study in the normal rat oesophagus

“…In control animals, illumination was performed at 3 h. Four rats in each group were sacrificed at 48 h after illumination to study the acute effects, as a pilot study had shown a maximum PDT effect at 48 h. The other four rats in each group were sacrificed on day 28 after illumination to study healing because, by then, a pilot study had shown complete re-epithelialization. Furthermore, that time interval was found to show full expression of stenosis after oesophageal corrosive burns (Berthet et al, 1994).…”