Effect of oestradiol-17 beta on uterine epidermal growth factor concentration in immature mice

Using a specific and sensitive epidermal growth factor radioimmunoassay (EGF-RIA) we have identified EGF in immature mouse uterine tissue. In 16 day old mice a single injection of oestradiol-17 beta (E2) elicited an increase in uterine wet weight in 24 h but did not affect uterine EGF concentration. Sequential injection of E2 for a 7 day period increased both uterine wet weight and EGF concentration suggesting that change in EGF concentration is a delayed E2 response. The continuous treatment did not alter liver or submandibular gland tissue EGF concentrations, but significantly increased kidney EGF content. These data reveal that both uterine and renal tissue EGF concentrations are subject to modulation by E2 in developing mice.