PSEUDORABIES VIRUS GROWTH-FACTOR (PRGF) FACILITATES THE GROWTH AND POSTNATAL-DEVELOPMENT OF MICE AND RATS

PRGFA, one of two components of pseudorabies virus (PRV) growth factor (PRGF) facilitated the growth and postnatal development of newborn BA LBc mice and outbred albino Wistar rats, when administered subcutaneou sly. The growth proceeded much more rapidly and the initiation of hair growth appeared considerably sooner in PRGFA treated than in control animals. Susceptibility to PRGFA decreased with age, two days old anim als proved to be the most susceptible and became non-susceptible at th e age of 12 days. Two monoclonal antibodies (moabs) directed against g II glycoprotein of PRV neutralized the growth stimulating activity of PRGFA. Considering these findings, PRGFA is discussed as a potential n ovel growth stimulator.