EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR RECEPTOR EXPRESSION IN MURINE COLONIC CARCINOGENESIS

The influence of the duodenal medium, particularly rich in epidermal g rowth factor, in a colonic segment interposed within the duodenum (ICS ) has been evaluated. We have also determined the epidermal growth fac tor receptor (EGFR) content in colon carcinomas. Rats were divided in 3 groups: interposed colon segment to the duodenum, sham operated, con trol. Half of the animals have received dimethylhydrazine for 12 weeks . Animals were killed at 2, 4, 8 months. At 8 months, EGFR content was 1.12 +/- 2.2 fmol/mg for ICS tumors and 28.74 +/- 10 fmol/mg in left colon carcinomas (p < 0.01). The biological implication of these findi ngs is discussed.