Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) stimulates regrowth of the damaged intestine in rats, when administered following, but not concurrent with, methotrexate
Date
1998
Authors
Howarth, G.
Cool, J.
Bourne, A.
Ballard, F.
Read, L.
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Journal article
Citation
Growth Factors, 1998; 15(4):279-292
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Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>We tested the ability of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to reduce damage to the intestinal mucosa (mucositis) in rats injected with methotrexate. IGF-I was infused concurrent with methotrexate administration and compared to IGF-I administered following the withdrawal of methotrexate.<h4>Methods</h4>Rats were injected with methotrexate at the start of days 1, 2 and 3. IGF-I was infused for 5 days, commencing at the start of day 1 [concurrent administration] or at the start of day 4 [post-methotrexate administration].<h4>Results</h4>IGF-I administered coincident with methotrexate failed to restore mucosal integrity to the damaged small intestine. IGF-I administered post methotrexate stimulated regrowth of the damaged intestine, particularly the ileum, with 22%, 32% and 29% increases in small intestinal weight, ileal villus height and ileal crypt depth respectively.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Following intestinal damage of methotrexate, IGF-I primarily induced growth of the distal small intestine. The ineffectiveness of concurrently administered IGF-I may have represented an IGF-I induced recruitment of proliferating epithelial cells to the anti-proliferative effects of methotrexate.