A Physiological Role of Epidermal Growth Factor in Male Reproductive Function

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates the proliferation of various mammalian cells in culture, but its physiological role is not well defined. In mature male mice, large amounts of EGF are produced in the submandibular gland; it is present in the circulation at approximately 5 nanograms of EGF pe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1986-08, Vol.233 (4767), p.975-977
Main Authors: Tsutsumi, Osamu, Kurachi, Hirohisa, Oka, Takami
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal spermatogenesis
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Epidermal Growth Factor - pharmacology
Epidermal Growth Factor - physiology
Epididymis
Epididymis - drug effects
Epididymis - physiology
Follicle Stimulating Hormone - physiology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Genitalia
Genitalia, Male - physiology
Growth factors
Hormone metabolism and regulation
Hormones
Luteinizing Hormone - physiology
Male
Mammalian male genital system
Mammals
Mice
Molecules
Physical growth
Reproduction
Reproductive organs
Salivary glands
Sexual Maturation
Sperm Count - drug effects
Spermatids
Spermatocytes
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis - drug effects
Spermatogenesis in animals
Spermatozoa
Spermatozoa - physiology
Submandibular Gland - physiology
Testes
Testis - drug effects
Testosterone
Vertebrates: reproduction
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Summary:Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates the proliferation of various mammalian cells in culture, but its physiological role is not well defined. In mature male mice, large amounts of EGF are produced in the submandibular gland; it is present in the circulation at approximately 5 nanograms of EGF per milliliter of plasma. Sialoadenectomy (removal of the submandibular glands) decreased the amount of circulating EGF to an undetectable level but did not affect the circulating levels of testosterone or follicle-stimulating hormone. The number of mature sperm in the epididymis decreased by as much as 55 percent; the number of spermatids in the testis decreased by 40 to 50 percent; and the number of spermatocytes increased by about 20 percent. Administration of EGF to sialoadenectomized mice restored both the sperm content of the epididymis and the number of spermatids in the testis to normal. Thus, EGF may play a role in male reproductive function by stimulating the meiotic phase of spermatogenesis.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.3090686