Enhancement of gastric mucosal epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor expression by sucralfate.

1. The effect of an anti-ulcer agent, sucralfate, on the expression of gastric mucosal epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors was investigated. 2. Gastric mucosal cell membranes, isolated from the stomach of groups of rats, one receiving twice daily for 3 consecutive days a dose of 100 mg/kg sucralfate, and the other only the vehicle, were used as source for EGF and PDGF receptors. 3. Binding assays revealed the presence of both types of receptors, activation of which led to the elevation of tyrosine kinase activity as evidenced by a marked increase in membrane protein tyrosine phosphorylation patterns. 4. The specific receptor binding in the control group was 2.46 fmol/mg protein for EGF and 1.46 fmol/mg protein for PDGF, whereas the respective binding values in the sucralfate treated group increased by 61 and 65%. 5. The results suggest that sucralfate is capable of enhancement of epithelial proliferative activities through the stimulation of gastric mucosal EGF and PDGF receptors.