Effects of epidermal growth factor on serum zinc and plasma prostaglandin E2 levels of mice with pressure sores.

This work was undertaken to study the effects of systemic application of EGF on the plasma PGE2 and serum zinc levels of mice with pressure sores. The pressure sores were made on the hind limb of the mice by bilateral sciatic nerve neurotomy. Mice were injected IP, 1 microgram EGF daily for ten days, beginning on the 21st day after operation. EGF administration increased the serum zinc and plasma PGE2 levels compared with controls. These results indicate that EGF can be effective on wound healing by elevating the serum zinc and plasma PGE2 concentrations together with other physiological roles in cellular events.