The effect of epidermal growth factor on neonatal incisor differentiation in the mouse

Study on site-specific expression of bone formation and resorption factors in human dental follicles

We sought to investigate site‐specific expression of bone‐regulatory factors expressed by human dental follicles and to compare the stimulated expression of tumour necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 11/tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 11b (RANKL/OPG) in human dental follicle cells (HDFCs) from different patients. Analysis of bone‐regulatory markers in follicles from 12 different study participants was performed using RT‐qPCR and immunofluorescence; apical and coronal segments from each dental follicle were processed independently. Four additional dental follicles were used for cell cultures; HDFCs were precultured in osteogenic medium to initiate differentiation and thereafter cultured with 10⁻⁶ M forskolin (FSK) to activate the protein kinase cAMP (PKA/cAMP) signalling pathway and induce RANKL/OPG expression. We demonstrate that RANKL expression is significantly higher in the coronal part of follicles than in the apical part. High levels of collagen type 1 (COL1), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Gap‐junction protein, alpha 1, 43 kDa (CX43) were expressed, whereas expression of Sp7 transcription factor (OSX), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), colony‐stimulating factor 1 (CSF‐1), chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (MCP1), and OPG was low in all samples. The immunofluorescence localization of CSF‐1, MCP1, osteocalcin (OCN), RANKL, and BMP2 was not specific for either part of the follicles. In conclusion, a consistently high expression of CX43 suggests that gap‐junction communication in HDFCs is essential for the eruption process. Furthermore, the induced expression of RANKL in HDFCs varies significantly between individuals and may relate to clinical variations in tooth eruption.

EGF-R and erbB-2 in murine tooth development after ethanol exposure

BACKGROUND

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can frequently lead to a congenital disorder known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS); however, not all children born to alcoholic women develop FAS. Alcohol consumption may affect diverse organs and systems during embryonic development, including craniofacial structures. Small teeth, enamel alterations, and delayed eruption have been observed after ethanol exposure. Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGF-Rs) participate in dental proliferation and differentiation, and changes in these receptors were considered here to be a likely mechanism associated to the dental anomalies observed in this syndrome. Epidermal growth factor receptor type 1 (EGF-R) and epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (erbB-2) immunoexpression during the lower first molar morphogenesis was investigated in mouse fetuses exposed to ethanol during gestation.

METHODS

Pregnant female mice were divided into groups, consuming either 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25% ethanol solutions, or water (control group). Heads were obtained from 16.5- and 18.5-day fetuses. Immunohistochemistry was applied to EGF-R and erbB-2.

RESULTS

At days 16.5 and 18.5, fetuses from 15%, 20%, and 25% ethanol groups showed delayed differentiation, degenerative changes in dental epithelial tissues and reduced dental size; additionally, they displayed an enhanced immunoreactivity to EGF-R and erbB-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that ethanol consumption during pregnancy affects the expression of EGF receptors and induces a delay in murine fetal dental morphogenesis. Dental development is a process that involves a number of growth factors; hence we consider that further research is required to show whether the changes in glycosylation and growth-factor signaling pathways observed in other cells are also involved in the alterations observed in this study.

Effects of maternal ethanol intake on immunoexpression of epidermal growth factor in developing rat mandibular molar

OBJECTIVE

A polyclonal antibody was used to investigate the effects of ethanol ingestion before and during pregnancy, in the expression of EGF on dentinogenesis and amelogenesis of rat mandibular first molar.

DESIGN

Ethanol was administered to drinking water (treated group) starting at concentrations of 1% and increasing weekly to 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% (v/v). During week 7, these rats were mated and continued to receive the 25% alcoholic solution, up to delivery. The control group received tap water. On postnatal days 0, 4 and 9, two offspring of each litter were killed, their hemimandibles removed and prepared for paraffin processing and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

At postnatal day 0 the EGF immunoreactivity of the inner enamel epithelium and presecretory ameloblasts was weak when compared to controls. At postnatal day 4 EGF immunoreactivity of the secretory ameloblasts and odontoblasts was only moderate compared to controls. At postnatal day 9 EGF staining of the ameloblasts was weak when compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that, maternal alcoholism interferes with EGF expression during initial dentinogenesis and amelogenesis and in the secretion and maturation of the dentin and enamel, therefore, which may cause a reduction of dentin and enamel formation.

Cellular, molecular, and genetic determinants of tooth eruption

Tooth eruption is a complex and tightly regulated process that involves cells of the tooth organ and the surrounding alveolus. Mononuclear cells (osteoclast precursors) must be recruited into the dental follicle prior to the onset of eruption. These cells, in turn, fuse to form osteoclasts that resorb alveolar bone, forming an eruption pathway for the tooth to exit its bony crypt. Some of the molecules possibly involved in the signaling cascades of eruption have been proposed in studies from null mice, osteopetrotic rodents, injections of putative eruption molecules, and cultured dental follicle cells. In particular, recruitment of the mononuclear cells to the follicle may require colony-stimulating factor-one (CSF-1) and/or monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). Osteoclastogenesis is needed for the bone resorption and may involve inhibition of osteoprotegerin transcription and synthesis in the follicle, as well as enhancement of receptor activator of NF kappa B ligand (RANKL), in the adjacent alveolar bone and/or in the follicle. Paracrine signaling by parathyroid-hormone-related protein and interleukin -1 alpha, produced in the stellate reticulum adjacent to the follicle, may also play a role in regulating eruption. Osteoblasts might also influence the process of eruption, the most important physiologic role likely being at the eruptive site, in the formation of osteoclasts through signaling via the RANKL/OPG pathway. Evidence thus far supports a role for an osteoblast-specific transcription factor, Cbfa1 (Runx2), in molecular events that regulate tooth eruption. Cbfa1 is also expressed at high levels by the dental follicle cells. This review concludes with a discussion of the several human conditions that result in a failure of or delay in tooth eruption.

The immunohistochemical localization of phospholipase Cgamma and the epidermal growth-factor, platelet-derived growth-factor and fibroblast growth-factor receptors in the cells of the rat molar enamel organ during early amelogenesis

Findings on the localization and possible roles of the major growth factors, epidermal (EGF), platelet-derived (PDGF) and fibroblast (FGF) in early amelogenesis are contradictory and inconclusive. This study sought to localize immunohistochemically phospholipase (PLCgamma) and the EGF, PDGF and FGF receptors in the cells of the enamel organ during the events leading directly to early enamel formation in rat molars. PLCgamma is an immediate, downstream, signal-transduction pathway effector unique to the three receptors. A whole-head, freeze-dried sectioning method was used to reduce the possibilities of false-negative staining. A modification of the avidin/biotin complex method of immunohistochemical localization was used. Anti-PLCgamma and antibodies to each of EGF, PDGF and FGF receptors colocalized in the preameloblasts of the cervical loop, adjacent to the undifferentiated mesenchymal cells of the dental pulp. This staining disappeared shortly after the beginning of dentine mineralization. Staining for all four antibodies appeared on the proximal ends of the differentiating presecretory ameloblasts at the level of the beginning of predentine matrix deposition and continued in the secretory ameloblasts. It appears that EGF, PDGF and FGF have roles in the differentiation of ameloblasts and in control of cellular functions in presecretory and secretory ameloblasts. Their roles may represent redundancy of the kind seen in highly conserved tissues.

Tooth eruption: theories and facts

The mechanisms of tooth eruption (i.e., the answer to the question of how and why teeth erupt) has been a matter of long historical debate. This review focuses on human and other mammalian teeth with a time- and spacewise limited period of eruption and analyzes recent observations and experimental data on dogs, rats, primates, and humans in a framework of basic biological parameters to formulate a guiding theory of tooth eruption. Acknowledging basic parameters (i.e., that teeth move in three-dimensional space, erupt with varying speed, and arrive at a functional position that in inheritable) eliminates a number of previously held theories and favors those that accommodate basic parameters, such as alveolar bone remodeling in association with root elongation, with possible correction factors in the form of cementum apposition and periodontal ligament formation. We have critically analyzed, summarized, and integrated recent findings associated with preeruptive movements of developing teeth, the intraosseous stage of premolar eruption in dogs, molar eruption in rodents, and premolar and molar eruption in primates. The variable speeds of eruption are particularly important. We conclude with basic principles of tooth eruption--that is, the type of signals generated by the dental follicle proper, the conditions under which teeth are moved and the clinical understanding to be derived from this knowledge.

EGF receptor expression in mineralized tissues: an in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical investigation in rat and human mandibles

There is extensive evidence that growth factors play a central part in the autocrine/paracrine regulation of cell growth and differentiation in mineralized tissues. In order to investigate involvement of the EGFr receptor (EGFr) in forming mineralized tissues, its expression was studied by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry in mandibles of growing rats, as well as in human embryos. In Hertwig's epithelial root sheath of rat molar, EGFr mRNAs appeared strongly expressed, while dental pulp and dental follicle showed weak labeling. The lingual epithelium of rat incisor showed strong labeling, which decreased after epithelial dislocation. Cells of the adjoining lingual dental pulp and dental follicle, as compared to epithelium, contained a low level of EGFr mRNAs. In contrast, a significant signal with antisense RNA probe was observed in bone. Sense RNA probes provided a regular background or no labeling. Undifferentiated cells located in the periosteum and endosteal spaces were labeled. EGFr mRNAs were also present in osteoblasts and in lesser amounts in some osteocytes. In rat and in human bone, both osteoblasts and osteocytes were positive on immunostaining. Similarly in the Hertwig's root sheath, EGFr immunostaining and in situ hybridization labeling were closely related. These data show that different patterns of EGFr expression in forming mineralized tissues are tissue- and stage-specific. However, in all these cells, the present in situ investigation supports the assumption that EGFr is involved in the early stages of cellular proliferation and differentiation. This report also suggests that EGFr may play a role in differentiated and mature cells of mineralized tissues.

The basic and applied biology of tooth eruption

The dentition and the alveolar process of each jaw develop simultaneously so that, by the time the crown is completed and eruption begins, the crown is enclosed in a crypt within alveolar bone. Thus, the eruption of a tooth to its functional position involves discretely localized, bilaterally symmetrical bone resorption to produce an eruption pathway and bone formation to fill in the space previously occupied by the crown and growing roots. Studies of crypt surfaces during eruption confirm this polarization of alveolar bone metabolism around a tooth with respect to both bone cells and mineralized surface topography. Experimental studies of tooth eruption have shown that the dental follicle, the dense connective tissue investment of the tooth, is necessary for eruption and that neither bone resorption nor bone formation occur without the adjacent part of the dental follicle. Early in eruption the coronal part of the follicle accumulates mononuclear cells which have cytochemical and ultrastructural features of osteoclasts and the apical part of the follicle, a site of intense cell proliferation, binds epidermal growth factor (EGF). The dental follicle contains a variety of proteins and the concentration of several change during eruption. Prominent among them are a reduction in matrix metalloproteinases and an increase in protoglycans as eruption proceeds. The contribution of these changes to those in cell proliferation, migration and differentiation during tooth eruption present experimental opportunities for developmental biologists. The rate-limiting factor of the earliest (intraosseous) stage of tooth eruption is bone resorption and eruption can be accelerated or retarded by the local delivery of factors which increase or decrease the activity of osteoclasts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The distribution of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I during odontogenesis in the rat incisor

Retinoids are important molecules in various aspects of embryological development. Here the distribution of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I (CRABPI) was studied in the continuously growing incisor of adult rats using an affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal antibody. CRABPI was present throughout the presecretory and secretory ameloblast layer. The protein disappeared from that layer during its maturation phase. The adjacent dental mesenchyme of the developing pulp stained positively for CRABPI, especially in the layer immediately beneath the fully differentiated odontoblasts. Little CRABPI was present in the odontoblast layer itself. The distribution of CRABPI, both in the undifferentiated basal region of the incisor tooth and associated with the cells during hard-tissue formation, suggests a role for this molecule during differentiation and hard-tissue genesis.

Localization of epidermal growth factor and its receptor in mandibular molars of the rat prior to and during prefunctional tooth eruption

Immunoperoxidase localization of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) itself was examined in rat first and second mandibular molars postnatally from day 0 to 12. The results showed that the dental follicle stained heavily for EGFR from day 0 to 8, declined in staining at day 9, and was devoid of stain from day 10 onward. Preosteoblasts and osteoblasts of alveolar bone also stained and lesser staining of ameloblasts and odontoblasts was observed. Except for staining of occasional isolated cells, the stellate reticulum did not stain. Light staining of the dental pulp of the first mandibular molar was seen from day 0 onward but the pulp of the second molar did not stain until approximately day 6. With respect to EGF, the dental follicle also stained for it until day 12. The ameloblasts stained more intensely for EGF than for EGFR. Because injections of EGF cause premature eruption of teeth and because the presence of a dental follicle is necessary for eruption, this study suggests that EGF could have its effect on the follicle as seen by the presence of EGFR receptors on the follicle. Moreover, because EGF exerts its effects early (day 0-3) to cause eruption and because the influx of monocytes into the follicle to form osteoclasts for bone resorption for eruption occurs early, the heavy staining for EGFR in the follicle early followed by the absence of staining at day 10 correlates chronologically with the key molecular and cellular events of eruption. Finally, the presence of EGF in the follicle, as well as enamel organ, could provide an endogenous source of EGF to regulate tooth eruption, either by an autocrine or a paracrine effect. Thus, the localization of EGFR and EGF in the dental follicle coupled with the chronology of localization suggests that EGF could play a physiological role in tooth eruption.

Secretion of protein and epidermal growth factor (EGF) by transplanted human pancreas

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been localized in human salivary and Brunner's glands and found to stimulate the proliferation of gastrointestinal and pancreatic tissues in animals, but little is known about EGF in human pancreas. This study was designed to determine the distribution and release of EGF in the pancreas and to assess the secretion of EGF and protein by the transplanted human pancreas. The peroxidase antiperoxidase (PAP) immunocytochemical method with anti-hEGF showed that EGF was restricted mainly to the excretory cells lining pancreatic ducts. The EGF immunoreactivity in the pancreatic tissue averaged about 15 +/- 0.5 micrograms/g of tissue wt. The concentration and output of EGF in the pancreatic juice were, respectively, about 3.4 +/- 0.7 ng/mL and 68 + 12 ng/h in basal secretion collected from the whole pancreatic transplant. A significant increase in EGF release from this transplant started about 2 h after its reperfusion and was accompanied by a parallel increase in protein output. Injection of iv secretion (1 U/kg) resulted in a transient rise in EGF output, probably as a result of washout by increased vol flow, whereas HCCK (1 U/kg) caused more prolonged release of EGF accompanied by a marked stimulation of protein secretion. Ingestion of a mixed meal caused an immediate and sustained increment in EGF output, and protein output showed a more protracted increase, reaching its peak in the second postprandial hour. Fractionation of an extract of pancreatic juice on G-5O Sephadex superfine column revealed that EGF immunoreactivity emerged as a major peak in the same position as authentic human EGF (hEGF).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mitogenic, chemotactic, and synthetic responses of rat periodontal ligament fibroblastic cells to polypeptide growth factors in vitro

The mitogenic, chemotactic, and synthetic responses of rat periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblastic cells to epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF)-AB, rhPDGF-BB, natural (n) PDGF-AB, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) were examined in vitro using PDL cells obtained from the coagulum of healing tooth sockets. PDGFs and IGF-I have potent and comparable mitogenic effects on PDL fibroblastic cells. The maximum mitogenic effect of PDGFs was observed at the concentration of 10 ng/ml, whereas that of IGF-I was seen at concentrations higher than 100 ng/ml. In contrast, EGF induced moderate, and TGF-beta inhibitory mitogenic responses. The combination of rhPDGF-AB with either EGF or TGF-beta demonstrated comparable mitogenic potency, equivalent to the level of PDGF alone regardless of the mitogenic effect of other growth factors. The combination of rhPDGF-AB and IGF-I, however, showed a synergistic effect revealing the highest mitogenic effect among all individual growth factors as well as any combinations of the growth factors tested. Similarly, PDL fibroblastic cells demonstrated strong chemotactic responses to both IGF-I and PDGFs. The maximum effect was observed by IGF-I at concentrations higher than 10 ng/ml, followed by rhPDGF-BB at 0.1 ng/ml, rhPDGF-AB and nPDGF at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1 ng/ml. TGF-beta revealed no, and EGF slightly increased, chemotactic effects. IGF-I slightly enhanced the synthesis of total protein, whereas other factors had no significant effect. However, both rhPDGF-AB and TGF-beta stimulated collagen synthesis. On the other hand, IGF-I showed no effect on collagen synthesis, while EGF suppressed collagen synthesis. These findings suggest that rhPDGF-BB and IGF-I stimulate proliferation and chemotaxis of PDL fibroblastic cells. In addition, the combination of these growth factors further increases the mitogenic effect. rhPDGF-AB also stimulates collagen synthesis by PDL fibroblastic cells. Thus, rhPDGF-BB and IGF-I may have important roles in promotion of PDL healing, and consequently, may be useful for clinical application in periodontal regenerative procedures.

Immunohistochemical investigation of epidermal growth factor receptor expression during periods of accelerated rat incisor eruption

The effect of accelerated odontogenesis of the rat mandibular incisor on the expression of receptors for epidermal growth factor (EGF) was examined using specific monoclonal antibodies to the receptor molecule. Acceleration of odontogenesis was achieved by regular trimming of the tooth crown. At normal eruption rates the major area of cross-reactivity was over the secretory ameloblasts. Some labelling of the papilla and preameloblasts was evident. When proliferation was increased the major area of effect was at the preodontoblast/odontoblast boundary where there was a marked increase in labelling, initially at the proximal end of the cell adjacent to the basal lamina. The ameloblasts did not show such a dramatic increase in receptor numbers. Increase in labelling was also evident in the remainder of the papilla. The results suggest that an increase in proliferation with normal morphogenesis is associated with an overall increase in the numbers of EGF receptors, particularly in a population of cells immediately before and after elongation and differentiation of odontoblasts.

Current concepts of the biology of tooth eruption

Tooth eruption is defined as the movement of a tooth from its site of development within the jaws to its position of function within the oral cavity. We present a critical review of evidence for the mechanisms and regulation of the intraosseous and supraosseous phases of eruption, with an emphasis upon the canine premolar model studied by the authors. Analyses at different stages of premolar eruption indicate that selective fragmentation of dental follicle protein DF-95 correlates with the presence of elevated levels of follicular collagenase and stromelysin, and with the onset of premolar movement. A dramatic decrease in these metalloproteinases followed initiation of movement. A biochemical and cell biological model for regulation of tooth eruption is proposed based upon these new and existing data.

Immunocytochemical localization of growth hormone receptor in rat maxillary teeth

To address the question of what role growth hormone may have in stimulating tooth formation, the distribution of its receptor/binding protein in developing rat incisors and molars was studied immunocytochemically using well-characterized monoclonal antibodies. Ten female 45-day-old Wistar rats were perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde. Five-microns paraffin sections of the growing end of maxillary incisors and molars were cut, deparaffinized and incubated with mouse anti-growth hormone receptor antibodies or control antibodies. A three-layer streptavidin peroxidase technique was used to detect bound antibody. Immunoreaction product was associated primarily with the cytoplasm of cells at certain stages of differentiation. Dividing cells, differentiating preameloblasts and preodontoblasts, secretory ameloblasts and odontoblasts showed immunoreactivity. Undifferentiated dental epithelium cells, stellate reticulum, external dental epithelial cells, mature odontoblasts, and most of cells in the dental papilla were non-reactive. However, at certain stages of tooth development, the stratum intermedium and the external dental epithelium also stained positively. The presence of growth hormone receptor/binding protein in tooth cells at different stages of their development indicates that growth hormone may influence cell proliferation, differentiation and differentiated functions of ameloblasts, odontoblasts and cementoblasts independent of a systemic mediator, and thus may be involved in stimulating odontogenesis directly.

Localization of epidermal growth factor receptors in cells of the enamel organ of the rat incisor

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a peptide shown to effect precocious incisor tooth eruption in rat pups. Binding sites for EGF were visualized in the continuously erupting adult rat incisor by light and electron microscope radioautography after in vivo injection of 125I-EGF. These binding sites represented EGF receptors because of (i) competition between 125I-EGF binding at 2 min after injection and a coinjected excess of unlabeled EGF; (ii) the receptor-mediated endocytosis of 125I-EGF at 15 and 30 min after injection; and (iii) the demonstration of EGF receptor kinase activation in vivo. The stem and the mitotic cells in the epithelial odontogenic organ at the growing end of the tooth develop into two nondividing layers of the enamel organ: (i) ameloblasts which secrete enamel and are subsequently involved in the enamel maturation process, and (ii) papillary layer cells situated between the blood supply and the ameloblasts. Although few EGF receptors were present at the mitotic end, receptor density was highest at the mature end of the enamel organ. High levels of 125I-EGF binding were found on papillary layer cells and ruffle-ended, but not smooth-ended, ameloblasts. This implies a cyclical exteriorization and internalization of receptors during modulations between the two cell types. These data suggest that the EGF receptor mediates a major function of the enamel organ in the formation of enamel.

Involvement of cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins I and II (CRABPI and CRABPII) and of the cellular retinol-binding protein I (CRBPI) in odontogenesis in the mouse

The coordination of the activities of individual cells during development is regulated in part by epigenetic signals either encoded in the insoluble extracellular matrix or provided by small diffusible factors such as growth factors peptides and retinoids. Odontogenesis offers a suitable model to correlate the temporospatial distributions of such molecules, and of their cell receptors and ligands, with particular developmental processes. We have analyzed, by in situ hybridization, the distribution patterns of CRABPI, CRABPII and CRBPI transcripts during odontogenesis in the mouse. CRABPI transcripts were restricted to the mitogenic regions of the dental mesenchyme during late bell stages and were absent from post-mitotic odontoblasts. The only epithelial site of CRABPI transcription was the labial epithelial loop of the continuously growing incisor. CRABPII transcription was preponderant in the mitogenic zones of the dental epithelium: differential labeling of the dental epithelium occurred as early as the dental bud stage and during subsequent molar morphogenesis, this labeling became confined in the epithelial loops. The graded distribution of CRABPII transcripts along the anteroposterior axis of the continuously growing incisor was superimposed with the gradient of mitoses. CRABPII transcripts were absent from post-mitotic ameloblasts. It is concluded that during odontogenesis the expressions of the CRABPI and CRABPII genes are confined to regions exhibiting the highest rate of cell proliferation whenever differential mitotic activity is required. Moreover, the putative effects of retinoic acid on the regulation of cell proliferation kinetics in the dental epithelium and in the dental mesenchyme imply distinct CRABPs. CRBPI transcripts were restricted to the dental mesenchyme prior to the onset of CRABPI transcription. This observation supports the hypothesis that the two proteins might perform antagonistic functions in some retinoic acid-mediated developmental processes.

Occurrence of epidermal growth factor-binding sites during differentiation of cementoblasts and periodontal ligament fibroblasts of the young rat: a light and electron microscopic radioautographic study

Occurrence of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-binding sites during differentiation of cementoblasts and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts was investigated using radioautography after I. V. injection of 125I-EGF to 14-day-old rats. During differentiation of cementoblasts, a very low level of EGF-binding sites was present on the mesenchymal cells in dental follicle proper, precementoblasts, and cementoblasts. On the other hand, during differentiation of PDL fibroblasts, numerous EGF-binding sites were observed on the undifferentiated paravascular cells and on the perifollicular mesenchymes representing the major source of PDL fibroblast precursor cells. Also heavy labeling was observed throughout their differentiation to PDL fibroblasts, as well as during full synthetic activity as mature cells. Quantitative analysis of the light microscopic radioautographs revealed that these cells demonstrated approximately 4 grains per 100 microns 2 of cell area. These results suggest that EGF plays an important role in differentiation of PDL fibroblasts, but not in that of cementoblasts. Furthermore, the well-known in vivo effect of EGF in producing precocious eruption of teeth may be a consequence of a more extensive effect of EGF throughout differentiation of PDL fibroblasts as well as during full synthetic activity as mature cells.

Physiological role of epidermal growth factor on adipose tissue development in vivo

The ability of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to affect adipose tissue development in vivo was investigated. The subcutaneous administration of EGF to newborn NBR rats for 10 days resulted in decreased body weight and fat pad weight that occurred in a dose-dependent fashion. At a dose of 1 micrograms/g of body weight, injected EGF resulted in a 50% decrease of fat pad weight. Although kidney weight was also diminished, the weight of other organs such as liver and intestine remained unchanged or even slightly increased, suggesting that the effect of EGF on fat pad development was not due to a generalized inhibitory action of EGF on the development of the neonate rats. The number of adipocyte precursors in inguinal fat pads of EGF-treated animals was higher than in control animals (1.3-fold for 0.3 micrograms/g of body weight of EGF and 1.8-fold for 1.0 micrograms/g of body weight), whereas the number of mature adipocytes and the amount of triglyceride accumulated per fat pad were concomitantly lower. Adipocyte precursors isolated from EGF-treated animals displayed a reduced differentiation ability in culture and a higher sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of EGF than did cells isolated from control animals. These experiments demonstrate that EGF can retard adipose tissue development in vivo and suggest that EGF plays an important physiological role in the control of adipocyte differentiation.

Comparison of organ uptake and disappearance half-time of human epidermal growth factor and insulin

Epidermal growth factor (EGF), which was originally identified in salivary glands and saliva, has been also found in the kidney and urine, suggesting that the kidney may be an alternate source of this peptide. Liver was considered as the major site of the degradation of EGF but the involvement of other organs has been little studied. Therefore, we carried out comparative studies on the organ uptake and the disappearance half-time of EGF and insulin (having similar molecular size) in the same model of anesthetized dog with arterial (from aorta) and venous (from mesenteric, portal, hepatic, renal, femoral and jugular veins) blood sampling from various organs. Basal plasma level of EGF (1.32 +/- 0.33 pmol/l) and insulin (62.1 +/- 13.8 pmol/l) in the aorta was not significantly different from that recorded at various sampling sites. During i.v. infusion of EGF at 41.6 and 166.6 pmol/kg/h, the respective arterial EGF concentrations averaged 103 +/- 21 and 240 +/- 49 pmol/kg/h and the percent reduction in plasma EGF after passage through the head, leg, intestines and liver was about 30-50% and that after passage through the kidney was about 95%. During insulin (6.9 pmol/kg/h) infusion, the arterial hormone level averaged 227 +/- 21 pmol/l and this level was significantly reduced (by 23-42%) after passage through the head, leg, intestine, liver and kidney but no significant difference was found between various venous sampling sites. EGF and insulin appearing in the urine during EGF or insulin infusion accounted for about 40 and 7% of the difference between the entering and leaving renal masses of the peptide. Mean disappearance half time on stopping of EGF and insulin infusion was, respectively, 2.32 +/- 0.58 and 6.88 +/- 1.25 min. We conclude that unlike insulin, which is removed to similar extent by various organs including the kidney and the liver, EGF is taken up mainly by kidney and EGF present in urine originates mainly from renal clearance of peptide.

Defective epidermal growth factor gene expression in mice with polycystic kidney disease

The C57BL/6J-cpk mouse has an inheritable form of polycystic kidney disease similar to the autosomal recessive disorder seen in humans. Between approximately 1 and 3 weeks of age, affected cpk mice develop numerous large cysts in the collecting tubule segment of kidney nephrons. The present study examined the ontogeny of renal and submandibular gland prepro-epidermal growth factor (preproEGF) gene expression in the cpk mouse using Northern blot hybridization and immunohistochemistry. There was a virtual absence of renal preproEGF gene expression in cystic kidneys over the 3-week postnatal period, during which time renal preproEGF mRNA and proEGF/EGF protein normally reach significant levels. PreproEGF mRNA was expressed in salivary glands of cystic mice; however, this mRNA could not be further elevated with testosterone suggesting that there are abnormalities in the regulation of the preproEGF gene in the submandibular gland, as well as in the kidney. Since renal preproEGF expression during the early postnatal period occurs when collecting duct cysts form, it is possible that a deficiency in renal proEGF or EGF contributes to the rapid development of collecting duct cysts and the concomitant renal failure in the C57BL/6J-cpk cystic mouse.

Immunolocalization of transforming growth factor beta 1 and epidermal growth factor receptor epitopes in mouse incisors and molars with a demonstration of in vitro production of transforming activity

Day-14 lower incisors and day-18 first lower molars of mouse embryos produced in vitro transforming activities for non-confluent NRK cells co-cultured in agar, and mitogenic activities for exponentially growing NRK and BHK cells. The patterns of distribution of TGF beta 1 and EGF receptor, both known to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and transformation in vitro and suspected to play important roles in developmental processes, were studied during mouse odontogenesis by means of indirect immunofluorescence on fixed or frozen fixed sections. TGF beta 1 epitopes were detected in the stellate reticulum of day-13 to day-16 incisors and of molars from day-17 onwards. Dental mesenchyme of day-14 incisors and postnatal molars, and peridental mesenchyme of bud and cap stage molars and incisors were also stained by TGF beta 1 antibodies. EGF receptor was localized in the enamel organs of incisors and molars; the inner dental epithelium and later the outer dental epithelium rapidly became negative while the stellate reticulum remained stained. Incisor apical mesenchyme showed an intense reaction with EGF receptor antibodies after birth.

Positional signalling and patterning for amelogenesis in mouse molar tooth development

Oral mandibular epithelium determines the position and number of tooth organs. Cranial neural crest-derived ectomesenchyme provides inductive signals for (i) tooth shape, and (ii) sequential determination and expression of several different epithelial-derived enamel proteins. Inductive signalling follows a precise sequence, can be expressed in serumless, chemically-defined medium in vitro, and appears to be highly conserved during vertebrate evolution.

Biological effects of epidermal growth factor, with emphasis on the gastrointestinal tract and liver: an update

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a 6,000 Da polypeptide hormone produced by glands of the gastrointestinal tract, namely the salivary and Brunner's glands. It is found in a wide variety of external secretions as well as in blood and amniotic fluid. In fetal and neonatal life, EGF appears to play an important role in the development of the oral cavity, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and eyelids. Its presence in cells of the central nervous system suggests that it also plays a role in modulating the development of this system. In adult animals, the function of EGF is much less well understood. In rodents, it apparently modulates acid secretion from parietal cells in the stomach, and it undoubtedly plays an important role in wound healing, either through its localization within skin or by the licking of wounds with EGF-containing saliva. Considerable evidence now suggests that it may be one of the key factors in initiating liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy or chemical injury. The liver appears to be the principal organ which regulates the circulating level of EGF. In fact, EGF is cleared so efficiently by the liver that only the peripheral cells of the lobule (zone 1) sequester EGF, and little remains in the circulation for cells in the more distal zones (zones 2 and 3). In the liver, EGF normally binds to a plasma membrane receptor and is internalized within the liver cell, where the vast majority of EGF and its receptor are destroyed in lysosomes. A small but consistent quantity of EGF enters the bile intact. In the regenerating liver, however, the lysosomal pathway appears to be shut down, and the EGF is diverted to hepatocyte nuclei prior to the initiation of DNA synthesis. Nuclear EGF is found free as well as bound to a high-molecular-weight protein which has many characteristics identical to the plasma membrane EGF receptor. The plasma membrane receptor is a large transmembrane glycoprotein of 170,000 Da containing four domains: an extracellular EGF-binding portion, a hydrophobic membrane-spanning segment, a proximal cytoplasmic domain which binds ATP and protein substrates containing tyrosine for phosphorylation and a terminal cytoplasmic portion with 3 tyrosines which undergo autophosphorylation after EGF binding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

EGF receptor expression in the developing tooth is altered by exogenous retinoic acid and EGF

Retinoic acid (RA) is a teratogen producing a variety of malformations including clefts of the secondary palate and malformations of the teeth. Recent studies in our laboratory investigating the effects of RA and EGF on the medial epithelium of the palatal shelf have also provided some information on the effects of these agents on the development of the tooth. In the control, toothbud epithelial cells expressed the EGF receptor, bound EGF, and proliferated. The majority of bud stage teeth exposed to RA either in vivo or in organ culture did not detectably bind EGF, express the EGF receptor, or proliferate in the epithelial or mesenchymal components. Toothbuds exposed to exogenous EGF in organ culture also did not bind EGF, the receptor, or proliferate. EGF has been reported to inhibit morphogenesis of toothbuds in culture and when EGF was given to neonates the size of the tooth was reduced. Regulation of EGF receptor expression appears to be important in the development of the toothbud and exposure to RA or EGF disrupts this process and could contribute to the decreased tooth size, agenesis, and malformations observed in the teeth. While limited in scope, these experiments present previously unreported effects of RA and EGF on the toothbud epithelium. These observations should be of interest to those studying tooth development, and warrant further and more detailed studies.