Effect of epidermal growth factor on the synthetic activity of human fibroblasts.

The influence of epidermal growth factor on DNA and protein synthesis by human gingival fibroblasts was studied. Synchronized cells treated with epidermal growth factor synthesized considerably greater amounts of DNA relative to 10% fetal calf serum and the peak of synthesis ocurred 6 h later than with serum. Epidermal growth factor caused a dose-dependent stimulation of protein synthesis (proline incorporation). Collagen synthesis remained unaffected and, as a result, the proportion of collagen synthesized decreased with increasing epidermal growth factor concentration. Aspirin and indomethacin did not abrogate these effects, indicating that prostaglandins may not be involved.