EGF- and TGF-a-Like Peptides in Human Fetal Gut

ABSTRACT: The presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-a (TGFa) immunoreactivities in fetal human tissues was studied immunohistochemically at different gestational ages. EGF and TGFaimmunoreactivities were detected from the 20th gestational wk. EGF immunoreactivity was limited to the small intestine, but TGFaimmunoreactive cells were present in the colon also. According to radioreceptor assay, the intestine of a 19-wk-old human fetus contained 10 times more EGF receptor-binding substance than EGF, as measured by immunofluorometric assay. Chromatographic analysis suggests that TGFa-like peptides account for at least part of this activity, as so argues in favor of the presence of TGFa- and EGF-like peptides in the human fetal gut. Whether they are synthesized in the fetus is yet unknown.