AJP - Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol 258, Issue 2 E275-E281, Copyright © 1990 by American Physiological Society
Effects of epidermal growth factor on bone formation and resorption in vivo
P. J. Marie, M. Hott and J. Perheentupa
Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, Unite 18, Lariboisiere Hospital, Paris, France.
The effects of mouse epidermal growth factor (EGF) on bone formation and
resorption were examined in male mice. EGF administration (2-200
ng.g-1.day-1 ip for 7 days) induced a dose-dependent rise in plasma EGF
levels that remained within physiological range. Histomorphometric analysis
of caudal vertebrae showed that EGF (20 and 200 ng.g-1.day-1) reduced the
endosteal matrix and mineral appositional rates after 5 days of treatment
as measured by double [3H]proline labeling and double tetracycline
labeling, respectively. This effect was transitory and was not observed
after 7 days of EGF administration. EGF administered for 7 days induced a
dose-dependent increase in the periosteal osteoblastic and tetracycline
double-labeled surfaces. At high dosage (200 ng.g-1.day-1) EGF
administration increased the osteoclastic surface and the number of acid
phosphatase-stained osteoclasts, although plasma calcium remained normal.
The results show that EGF administration at physiological doses induces
distinct effects on endosteal and periosteal bone formation and that the
effects are dependent on EGF dosage and duration of treatment. This study
indicates that EGF at physiological dosage stimulates periosteal bone
formation and increases endosteal bone resorption in the growing mouse.
