Does epidermal growth factor participate in the regulation of glucose, insulin and glucagon levels?

Background/aims: The presence of receptors for epidermal growth factor (EGF) on beta cells in the rat pancreatic islets has been established, but the physiological role remains to be settled. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of EGF on glucose homeostasis.

Methods: Fasted rats were treated with intraperitoneal injections of 10, 40 or 80 microg/kg body weight, either with EGF or 1% bovine serum albumin (controls).