Attenuation of radiation-induced gastrointestinal damage by epidermal growth factor and bone marrow transplantation in mice

Purpose: We examined the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) on gastrointestinal damage after high-dose irradiation of mice. Material and methods: C57Black/6 mice were used. Two survival experiments were performed (12 and 13 Gy; Co-60, 0.59-0.57 Gy/min). To evaluate BMT and EGF action, five groups were established - 0 Gy, 13 Gy, 13 Gy. EGF (at 2 mg/kg, first dose 24 h after irradiation and then every 48 h), 13 Gy. BMT (5 x 10(6) cells from green fluorescent protein [GFP] syngenic mice, 4 h after irradiation), and 13 Gy. BMT. EGF. Survival data, blood cell counts, gastrointestine and liver parameters and GFP positive cell migration were measured. Results: BMT and EGF (three doses, at 2 mg/kg, administered 1, 3 and 5 days after irradiation) significantly increased survival (13 Gy). In blood, progressive cytopenia was observed with BMT, EGF or their combination having no improving effect early after irradiation. In gastrointestinal system, BMT, EGF and their combination attenuated radiation-induced atrophy and increased regeneration during first week after irradiation with the combination being most effective. Signs of systemic inflammatory reaction were observed 30 days after irradiation. Conclusions: Our data indicate that BMT together with EGF is a promising strategy in the treatment of high-dose whole-body irradiation damage.