Epidermal growth factor influences cell proliferation, glycoproteins, and lipase activity in human fetal stomach

The role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the functional development of human stomach is unknown. The aim of this study was to establish the distribution and cellular localization of EGF receptors in developing gastric mucosa and to determine the effects of EGF on epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation.

Quantitative radioautography with 125I-EGF and indirect immunofluorescence using an antibody for human EGF receptor were performed using fetal gastric tissues (12-20 weeks of gestation). The effects of EGF (1, 10, and 100 ng/mL) on DNA synthesis, glycoprotein synthesis, and lipase and pepsin activities in fetal gastric explants maintained in serum-free organ culture were determined.

EGF receptors were present as early as 12 weeks of gestation and localized on basolateral membranes of all gastric epithelial cells. DNA and glycoprotein synthesis were significantly increased after 24 hours of culture in the presence of EGF. Unlike pepsin activity, lipase activity was modulated by EGF, and a significant diminution of the tissue lipolytic activity was noted after 5 days of culture.

This study clearly indicates the influence of EGF on the proliferation and differentiation of gastric epithelium, suggesting an important role for EGF in fetal development of the human gastric mucosa.