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Distribution of epidermal growth factor binding sites in the adult rat liver

Journal Article · · Am. J. Physiol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6942034
The localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors was studied in the liver by use of light microscope autoradiography performed at different time intervals (2-60 min) after intravenous injection of /sup 125/I-EGF into adult rat. The results revealed a substantial binding of EGF to parenchymal cells of the liver. Control experiments indicated that the autoradiographic labeling was due to specific interactions of /sup 125/I-EGF with its receptor. A very steep portal-to-central lobular concentration gradient for /sup 125/I-EGF uptake was observed. The time course study performed on parenchymal cells of periportal regions of lobules showed that, at the 2-min time interval, most silver grains were found at the periphery of these cells and that the maximal values were reached 7 min after injection. After, the number of grains decreased progressively and their localization in the cytoplasm indicated the internalization of the ligand. The present results demonstrate that EGF injected into the general circulation preferentially binds to hepatocytes located in the periportal area and is rapidly internalized.
Research Organization:
Le Centre Hospitalier de l'Universite Laval, Quebec
OSTI ID:
6942034
Journal Information:
Am. J. Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 250:6; ISSN AJPHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English