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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Studying the Stoichiometry of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Intact Cells using Correlative Microscopy
Published on: September 11, 2015
Low serum level of epidermal growth factor in chronic ketamine users
Minling Zhang1, Hongbo He1, Yuping Ning1
1The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University(Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
Background:
Growth factors play an important role in brain development. Whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a role in the pathophysiology of ketamine related disorders is unexplored. In this study, we examined the serum levels of EGF in chronic ketamine users as compared with healthy controls. The possible correlation between serum EGF levels with the demographic, ketamine use characteristics and psychopathological symptoms were analyzed.
Methods:
Sixty-seven chronic ketamine users and 40 healthy subjects were recruited. Serum EGF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory.
Results:
The serum level of EGF in the chronic ketamine users was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects (22.34 ± 4.81 pg/ml vs. 87.10 ± 2.96 pg/ml, F = 15.169, p < 0.01). The serum EGF level was negatively correlated with the current average dose of ketamine consumption per day of use (p = 0.015), and positively associated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale positive symptom score (p = .022).
Conclusions:
Serum level of EGF decreased in chronic ketamine users compared with healthy subjects, which may play a role in the pathophysiology of ketamine related disorders.
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