Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor is essential for preservation of gut barrier function after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation in mice

Background The aim of the current study was to determine the role of heparin-binding (HB) epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor as a mediator of gut barrier function after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HS/R) in mice. Methods HS/R was induced in HB-EGF knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Intestinal histologic injury scores, intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis, and gut barrier function were determined. Statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed models with P