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Epidermal growth factor binding and action on tympanic membranes.
T G O'Daniel1, M Petitjean, S C Jones
1Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Kentucky.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Topical epidermal growth factor (EGF) promotes tympanic membrane (TM) healing. Studies show EGF receptors on TM tissues, and EGF treatment significantly reduced perforation size in cats.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Tympanic membrane (TM) perforations often require therapeutic intervention for healing.
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a known mitogen that aids healing in similar tissues like the cornea and skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tympanic membrane (TM) as a target tissue for epidermal growth factor (EGF).
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical EGF in promoting the healing of TM perforations.
Main Methods:
- Detection of specific, high-affinity EGF receptors in TM tissues using binding assays (Kd = 3.1 nM).
- Autoradiography of iodine 125-EGF binding to identify EGF receptor distribution on TM cell layers.
- Treatment of perforated cat TMs with EGF formulated in saline, hydrogel, or Gelfoam, with comparisons to vehicle-treated controls.
Main Results:
- High-affinity EGF receptors were identified on both the stratified squamous epithelial and stromal/mucoepithelial layers of the TM.
- Repetitive EGF treatment induced hyperplasia in epithelial and stromal layers of cat TMs.
- A single application of EGF in hydrogel or Gelfoam significantly reduced TM perforation size at 6 days post-treatment compared to controls (p < .05).
Conclusions:
- The tympanic membrane (TM) is confirmed as a target tissue for epidermal growth factor (EGF).
- Topical EGF application effectively stimulates the healing process of TM perforations.