Open AccessExpression of epidermal growth factor and its mRNA in pig kidney, pancreas and other tissues
Author(s) -
Tristan J. Vaughan,
John C. Pascall,
P S James,
Kenneth D. Brown
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
biochemical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.706
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1470-8728
pISSN - 0264-6021
DOI - 10.1042/bj2790315
Subject(s) - epidermal growth factor , kidney , biology , pancreas , messenger rna , endocrinology , medicine , salivary gland , staining , epithelium , immunohistochemistry , growth factor , biochemistry , gene , immunology , receptor , genetics
The levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) mRNA in a wide range of pig tissues were measured by a RNAase-protection assay. The highest levels were found in kidney and pancreas, with lower levels in submaxillary gland, prostate gland and seminal vesicles. Immunocytochemical staining using an antiserum raised against recombinant pig EGF localized expression of the factor to the distal convoluted tubules of the kidney and to the epithelial cells lining the pancreatic and salivary ducts. The observed expression of EGF mRNA and EGF in pig tissues is consistent with a possible role for EGF in the maintenance and repair of the epithelial lining of various ductal systems.