Epidermal growth factor in the rat lung
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Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in pharmacological doses is able to induce precoccious lung maturation in rabbits and sheeps. As EGF is probably acting in a para- or autocrine way, we have searched for EGF in the lungs. We report EGF immunoreactivity to be present in the type II pneumocytes of the rat from a couple of days prior to birth and throughout life. Further, we report EGF immunoreactivity to be present in cells in the bronchi and the bronchioles from day 20-21 of gestation and throughout life. G-200 gelchromatography of lung extracts indicates that the EGF-reactive material is a high molecular weight form of EGF. Since previous studies have shown that EGF in pharmacological doses is able to promote lung maturation, our results may imply a physiological role for EGF in the lungs.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Histochemistry |
Volume | 95 |
Issue number | 5 |
Pages (from-to) | 471-5 |
Number of pages | 5 |
ISSN | 0301-5564 |
Publication status | Published - 1991 |
- Animals, Animals, Newborn, Bronchi, Epidermal Growth Factor, Epithelium, Fetus, Gestational Age, Immunoenzyme Techniques, Lung, Molecular Weight, Pulmonary Alveoli, Rats, Rats, Inbred Strains
Research areas
ID: 301144