The lack of effect of mouse epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its anti-serum on human tissues

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), isolated from adult male mouse submaxillary glands, had a profound effect on mouse tissues. Since this growth promoting effect of mouse EGF is “non-species specific” and enhances the growth of both normal and neoplastic mouse tissues, it was decided to investigate the influence of EGF and its antiserum on human tissues. The in vitro growth of human normal and neoplastic tissues was not influenced by either mouse EGF or its antiserum. Similarly, fluoresceinisothiocyanate (FITC) labelled antisera failed to stain any cellular component of the human tissues.