Oral transforming growth factor-alpha enhances jejunal mucosal recovery and electrical resistance in piglet rotavirus enteritis.

A randomized, investigator-masked trial determined the effects of oral recombinant human transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) on jejunal mucosal recovery in 75 piglets with rotavirus diarrhea. Rotavirus inoculation of artificially reared piglets induced subtotal (approximately 50%) villus atrophy and watery diarrhea. Dietary TGF alpha was associated with significant restoration of villus surface area by 4 d postinoculation (p.i.) and complete restoration by 8 d p.i., whereas saline-treated animals required 12 d for recovery. Jejunal segments from clinically recovered TGF alpha-treated piglets showed an increase in electrical resistance across the epithelial barrier in vitro which was proportional to villus height. TGF alpha treatment for 12 d also produced a 30-50% increase in jejunal mucosal mass (protein content and wet weight), compared with the corresponding values in saline-treated piglets and in uninfected controls. However, oral TGF alpha did not hasten the resolution of diarrhea, enhance the specific activities of jejunal mucosal digestive enzymes, or increase jejunal glucose-stimulated Na+ absorption in vitro. We conclude that dietary TGF alpha stimulates jejunal mucosal hypertrophy, improves barrier function, and enhances regrowth of villi in rotavirus enteritis; however, it does not facilitate the restoration of functional activity or mucosal digestive enzymes. Oral TGF alpha can facilitate intestinal epithelial recovery in diseases associated with mucosal damage.