General Medical Information

Epidermal Growth Factor

David J. Terris

EGF, a polypeptide of 53 amino acids, manifests a high degree of homology with TGF-a and contributes to collagen formation, granulation tissue development, and enhanced epithelialization by intracellular effects exerted through the enzyme tyrosine kinase. EGF has a specific impact on wound healing by the stimulation of keratinocyte and dermal fibroblast division and by the potentiation of both the production and the effects of other cytokines.

The potential value of EGF in enhancing wound healing was suggested by a prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial of its effect on the healing of split-thickness skin graft donor sites. Although not every study has found this cytokine to be effective, the overall results are likely to justify an expanded scope of investigation of this important cytokine.