ROLE OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR AND TRANSFORMING-GROWTH-FACTOR-ALPHA IN THE DEVELOPING STOMACH

Aims-To determine whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) or the related transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) may have a role in the d eveloping human stomach; to substantiate the presence of EGF in human liquor in the non-stressed infant and whether EGF in amniotic fluid is maternally or fetally derived. Methods-The temporal expression and lo calisation of EGF, TGF alpha, and their receptors during fetal and neo natal life were examined in 20 fetal and five infant stomachs. Simulta neously, samples of amniotic fluid and fetal urine from 10 newborn inf ants were collected and assayed for EGF by radioimmunoassay. Results-E GF immunoreactivity was not noted in any of the specimens examined. In contrast, TGF alpha immunoreactivity was shown in mucous cells from 1 8 weeks of gestation onwards. EGF receptor immunoreactivity was seen o n superficial mucous cells in gastric mucosa from 18 weeks of gestatio n onwards. The median concentration of EGF was 30 and 8.5 pg/ml in amn iotic fluid and fetal urine, respectively, suggesting that EGF is not produced by the fetus. Conclusions-This study adds weight to the hypot hesis that swallowed EGF, probably produced by the amniotic membranes, and locally produced TGF alpha, may have a role in the growth and mat uration of the human stomach.