Epidermal growth factor and acute radiation damage in CDF1 mice in vivo

The aim was to investigate if extent and time course of acute radiation damage to epidermis and intestine could be moderated by epidermal growth factor (EGF). Twelve-to-sixteen weeks old female CDF1 mice were treated either by single dose local irradiation to the right hind leg or total body irradiation (TBI). The endpoints were skin score and lethality, respectively. Human recombinant EGF was given s.c. or i.p. at a dose of 5-10 microg/day either before or after irradiation. Body weight was significantly higher for EGF treated animals compared with controls treated with saline. However, EGF did not reduce the median skin score following local irradiation and did not increase LD50 (days 1-6) following TBI. Further studies using more specific assays are necessary to determine if radiation damage to less toxic levels can be ameliorated by EGF.