[Action of a chalone-containing esophageal preparation on its epithelial cell proliferation]

The effect of esophageal chalone on epithelial cell reproduction in the esophagus was studied. Lyophilized aqueous extract from the esophagus was used. The following properties of the esophageal preparation have been revealed: it is water-soluble; it is present in the same tissue where it acts; it has tissue-specific effect (the preparation does not act on the mitotic and radioactive index in the epithelial crypts of the small intestine); its action is short-term and reversible; its effect on DNA division and synthesis in the esophageal epithelial cells is dose-dependent. Therefore, it is suggested that the esophageal preparation contains a chalone.