Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in rat gastric oxyntic mucosa.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a mitogenic polypeptide that inhibits gastric acid secretion, protects the gastric mucosa against acute injury, and accelerates ulcer healing. In the present study we demonstrated immunohistochemically, using two different techniques, localization of EGF receptors in normal rat gastric oxyntic mucosa: in proliferative zone cells and in some parietal cells. It is likely that these cells represent the major targets for the EGF [and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) which shares a common receptor with EGF] actions, stimulating cell proliferation and inhibiting acid secretion.