Insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) mRNA levels in relation to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development in newborn calves.

The study was aimed at determining the age-depended changes in insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) mRNA levels in relation to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development in newborn calves. Twenty four male calves (5-day-old) were randomly allocated to 4 groups which were slaughtered at day 5, 12, 19 and 26 of their life, respectively. Tissue samples from the rumen, abomasum, duodenum, jejunum and liver were taken for analysis, and the level of IGF-1 and IGF-2 mRNA was determined using RT semi-quantitative PCR method. Both IGF-1 and IGF-2 mRNA level was the biggest on 5 day of life, significantly decreased up to day 12-19 in most of analyzed GIT parts, and started to increase thereafter. In the rumen the reduction in the amount of IGFs transcripts was associated with the reduction in papillae length and tunica muscularis thickness. The abomasum weight and tunica mucosa thickness increased from the 5 day up to 19 day of life, whereas abomasal IGF-1 mRNA level decreased together with calf's age up to 19 day of life, and the level of IGF-2 mRNA did not change. The reduction in IGFs mRNA level after 5 day of life in the duodenum (IGF-1 and IGF-2) and in the jejunum (IGF-1) was associated with reduction in villi length (duodenum and jejunum), and the increase of crypt depth (duodenum).