TFF2/SP-deficient mice show decreased gastric proliferation, increased acid secretion, and increased susceptibility to NSAID injury

Trefoil factor family 2 (TFF2), also known as spasmolytic polypeptide, is a member of the trefoil family of peptides and is expressed primarily in the mucous neck cells of the gastric mucosa. To study the physiologic role of TFF2,,we have generated TFF2-deficient mice through targeted gene disruption. Homozygous mutant mice were viable and fertile without obvious gastrointestinal abnormalities. However, quantitative measurements revealed a significant decrease in gastric mucosal thickness and in gastric mucosal proliferation rates, In addition, there was a twofold increase in activated parietal cells resulting in a twofold increase in basal and stimulated gastric acid output and an undetectable serum gastrin level. The TFF2-deficient mice also showed a significant increase in the degree of gastric ulceration after administration of indomethacin. Taken together, these results suggest a physiologic role for TFF2 to promote mucosal healing through the stimulation of proliferation and downregulation of gastric acid secretion.