Epidermal growth factor and fluid balance: a review

Abstract

Lambs suffer from high mortality rates within the first 2-3 days after birth. The importance of sucking behaviour for the ingestion of colostrum and subsequently milk by the newborn animal is therefore seen as crucial for its survival and development. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a component of colostrum and milk (Read 1988; Gow et al. 1991) where it is thought to function as a promoter of gut maturation in young animals following ingestion. We recently reported (Gow and Moore 1992) a new physiological function for EGF, that of stimulating fluid intake in adult sheep. Here we present a review of the functions of EGF, particularly as they relate to lactation, body growth, appetite and fluid balance. We hypothesise that another function of EGF in mammary secretions may be to regulate body growth by altering sucking behaviour and activity in the neonate.