RESUMO
Objective To detect the expression of EGF mRNA in renal parenchyma in congenital hydronephrosis in children and to evaluate the role of EGF in causing chronic renal damage. Methods The expression of EGF mRNA in renal parenchyma, renal pelvis and PUJ tissues from congenital hydronephrosis in children was studied by means of RT PCR. Results The expression of EGF in the aff ected renal parenchyma and PUJ tissues decreased.It also decreased in the affected pelvis but the difference was not significant. The decrease of EGF expression was the most obvious in the affected renal parenchyma. Conclusions EGF expression decreased in renal parenchyma in congenital hydronephrosis and the decrease might be related to the chronic renal damage and renal atrophy caused by hydronephrosis.