Altered EGF expression and thyroxine metabolism in kidneys following acute ischemic injury in rat

The increased activity of serine protease enhances the level of mature epidermal growth factor (EGF), following acute ischemic renal injury in rats. Triiodothyronine (T3), produced in the kidney, may stimulate the activity of serine protease that cleaves the EGF precursor. Analysis of the renal thyroid hormone-EGF axis reveals an increase in the level of thyroxine 5'-deiodinase. Postischemic renal injury reduces circulating total thyroxine (T4), free T4 and free T3 but the level of total T3 remains unchanged.