[Epidermal growth factor in tooth development]

The epidermic growth factor (EGF) inhibits the morphogenesis and cellular differentiation of dental tissues during embryogenesis. These effects are modulated according to the stage of tooth development. Thus, the cupula stage seems markedly affected contrary to the bell stage which continues to evolve eve in the presence of EGF. Distribution of EGF receptors is altered during the first stages or the morphogenesis and this is specific for each stage of dental development. Finally, some rare pathological processes, related to the EGF level, are particularly characterized by a very early growth of the teeth.