[EGF in therapy of corneal diseases. Principles and possible uses].

Abstract

Numerous recent research results stress the importance of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) for the growth and differentiation of corneal tissues. EGF, a physiological ingredient in the tears, plays a predominant role in the regeneration of corneal epithelium. Furthermore, EGF has been shown to increase the proliferation and differentiation of corneal keratocytes and endothelial cells. Topically applied EGF significantly enhances both the re-epithelialization of denuded areas and the tear strength of stromal cicatrices. These results may lead to interesting pharmacological management procedures for numerous corneal disorders. Thus, the clinical feasibility of EGF therapy is currently the subject of intensive evaluation. A better understanding of its mode of action, both on the molecular and cellular level, and increasing knowledge of the pharmacokinetics, together with the development of suitable application media, may all make EGF an integral part of the next generation of ophthalmic drugs. This survey reviews basic molecular-pharmacological and biochemical findings on EGF and evaluates its possible value for therapeutical use.

• Authors: M Knorr, S Schüller, K P Steuhl, H J Thiel
• Journal: Der Ophthalmologe : Zeitschrift der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft (Ophthalmologe) Vol. 89 Issue 2 Pg. 119-27 (Apr 1992) ISSN: 0941-293X [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: EGF in der Therapie von Hornhauterkrankungen. Grundlagen und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten.
• PMID: 1600318 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Epidermal Growth Factor
• ErbB Receptors

Topics

• Animals
• Corneal Diseases (physiopathology, therapy)
• Corneal Ulcer (physiopathology, therapy)
• Epidermal Growth Factor (physiology, therapeutic use)
• ErbB Receptors (physiology)
• Humans
• Signal Transduction (physiology)
• Wound Healing (physiology)