[Modulation of epidermal growth factor on the synthesis of pulmonary surfactant and its mechanism]

To study the effect of EGF at physiological level on PS synthesis on cultured lung explants without serum.

The total phospholipids and major phospholipid components in lung tissues were determined. The amount of 3H-choline incorporation into PC was measured.

1. 10(-9) mol/L EGF enhanced 3H-choline incorporation into PC at 8 h and reached the maximum at 16 h. 2. The synthesis of total phospholipids, PC and PG increased from lung tissues exposed to 10(-9) mol/L EGF, but membrane characteristic phospholipid showed no change. 3. TP 47, a PTK inhibitor and H7, a PKC inhibitor could block EGF-induced PS synthesis. The release of LDH from lung explants could not be changed by EGF, TP 47 and H7.

EGF at physiological level could enhance the adult rat PS synthesis, and its modulated mechanisms involved PTK and PKC pathways.