The topical anti-inflammatory activity of epidermal growth factor (EGF) was
evaluated in inflammation models induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-a
cetate, croton oil and arachidonic acid. When EGF (1.5, 3 or 6 mu g/ear) wa
s coapplied with each inflammatory agent, there was a dose-related decrease
in inflammation as assessed by ear punch weights, myeloperoxidase activity
as well as by histopathological studies. The precise anti-inflammatory act
ion of EGF is yet unclear, but we believe that interference with arachidoni
c acid metabolism may play an important role.