Effects of maternally administered epidermal growth factor on placental permeability

Epidermal growth factor is a well-studied modulator of epithelial membrane structure and function. Mammalian placentas are a rich source of epidermal growth factor receptors, but the role of epidermal growth factor in placental pathophysiologic conditions is unclear. To determine whether epidermal growth factor could affect mechanisms of placental transfer, we used an in situ rat placental perfusion model. Fourteen Sprague-Dawley rats that were 20 days pregnant were randomized to epidermal growth factor or placebo during placental transport experiments. We chose ethylenediaminetetraacetate tagged with chromium 51 as a marker of placental permeability. Epidermal growth factor treatment led to a dramatic increase of maternofetal clearances of chromium 51-ethylenediaminetetraacetate. We conclude that maternally administered epidermal growth factor has a potent action on placental permeability.