Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) are associated with regulation of various gastrointestinal functions. In order to better understand their role in developing small intestine EGF, TGF-α and EGF-R steady-state mRNA levels and transcript stability were determined. Reverse transcription (RT) competitive-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed that intestinal TGF-α mRNA levels were 10-fold higher in comparison with EGF mRNA. The primary intestinal culture technique was used to evaluate mRNA stability. The stability of TGF-α mRNA was remarkably lower than the stability of EGF mRNA. High levels of TGF-α mRNA accompanied by high degradation rate of this mRNA suggested a rapid turnover of intestinal TGF-α mRNA.