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Immunoreactive human epidermal growth factor in human pancreatic juice
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 1, 1982
Summary
Human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) was found in pancreatic juice, showing strong immunoreactivity but reduced bioactivity. Further research is needed to determine its origin and function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) is known to stimulate cell growth.
- hEGF has been previously isolated from human urine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) in human pancreatic juice.
- To investigate the immunoreactivity and bioactivity of hEGF in pancreatic juice.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to detect immunoreactive (IR) hEGF.
- Gel exclusion chromatography was employed to analyze molecular sizes.
- Receptor binding assays were performed using human placental membranes.
Main Results:
- Significant amounts of IR hEGF (2.3 +/- 0.09 ng/ml) were detected in human pancreatic juice.
- The IR-hEGF was immunologically similar to standard hEGF but had only 5% of its receptor binding activity.
- Gel chromatography revealed three distinct IR-hEGF components of varying molecular sizes.
- No aggregation or degradation of labeled hEGF was observed upon incubation with pancreatic juice.
Conclusions:
- Human pancreatic juice contains hEGF-like substances that are highly immunoreactive but significantly less bioactive.
- These substances are heterogeneous in molecular size.
- The origin and physiological role of hEGF in pancreatic juice require further investigation.