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Feto-Placental Endocrinology Unit (E.R.B., D.F., M.K.), Rappaport Institute for Medical Research, and Department Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Endocrinology, Rambam Medical Center Technion, Haifa, Israel;
Department of Medicine (D.W.M.), University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta, Canada T6G 2G3
Address correspondence and requests for reprints to: Eytan Barnea, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Feto-Placental Endocrinology Unit, Rappaport Institute, Technion, P.O. Box 9697, Efron Street, Haifa Israel.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is believed to play an important role in the regulation of placental function. We have examined the effect of EGF upon first trimester (7–10 gestational weeks) placental hCG secretion and cellular differentiation using both static (explants and isolated cells) and kinetic (superfusion of explants) culture methods. In superfused explants, short (1-4 min) pulses of EGF increased both the rate and amplitude of spontaneous pulsatility of hCG. The frequency increased from 3/h to 5/h, and the amplitude increased compared to the control channels as calculated by the area under the curve. This effect was dose dependent and the concentration of 50 ng/ml, which was the lowest dose tested, was the most effective. In explants cultured for 24 h, EGF caused a 2-fold increase in hCG secretion, compared to control, P < 0.05. In two different dispersed trophoblastic cell cultures, EGF added daily for the first week caused a 180% increase in hCG secretion, P < 0.05. However, according to morphological criteria, i.e. light microscopy and vital staining, no significant effect upon the rate of differentiation to syncytiotrophoblast was observed in longterm cultures of one of these preparations.
In conclusion, EGF plays a dual trophic role in stimulating hCG secretion in the first trimester. However, this effect is not dependent on cellular differentiation.
Received December 14, 1989.
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