Effects of epidermal growth factor on glucose metabolism in neonatal rats

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) may play a key role in fetal growth. We have investigated the effects of EGF on glucose metabolism, the main source of energy during the early neonatal period. When compared to control, EGF treatment increased hepatic glycogen, plasma insulin, and the proportion of B cells in the islets of Langerhans, but decreased the concentration of plasma glucagon. Thus, the insulin-to-glucagon molar ratio in plasma was increased in the EGF-treated group. These data suggest that EGF shifts glucose metabolism from catabolism towards anabolism during the early neonatal period by controlling the pancreatic endocrine system. This effect may help the neonate in adapting to the extrauterine environment after birth.