Epidermal growth factor deficiency associated with diabetes mellitus

The production of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the submandibular gland and its circulating level were studied in diabetic mice. In genetically diabetic (C57BL/KsJ db/db) mice, EGF concentrations in the submandibular gland and plasma were reduced to 13% and 30% of the control levels, respectively. In streptozotocin-treated diabetic mice, they were reduced to 18% and 20% of controls, respectively, 5 weeks after the drug injection. Furthermore, levels of submandibular prepro-EGF mRNA in these diabetic mice were decreased almost in parallel with the glandular EGF concentrations, while there was no change in the levels of submandibular beta-actin mRNA and kidney prepro-EGF mRNA. In addition, histological examination of the submandibular glands indicated that the size of the granular convoluted tubules, which produce EGF, was substantially reduced in the diabetic mice. Insulin administration to streptozotocin-treated mice almost completely reversed the decrease in EGF content in the submandibular gland, substantially elevated the level of the glandular prepro-EGF mRNA and plasma EGF concentration, and increased the size of the granular convoluted tubules in the gland. These results indicate that EGF deficiency occurs in diabetes mellitus and that insulin may be important in maintaining the normal level of EGF in the submandibular gland and plasma.