Korean J Phys Anthropol.  1997 Dec;10(2):149-160.

The Expression of Transforming Growth Factor -alpha and Epidermal Growth Factor on the Cardiovascularsystem of Developing Mouse Embryo

• Bae ST
• Gil YG
• Kim SO

Abstract

The distribution of transforming growth factor -alpha (TGF -alpha ) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the cardiovascular system of developing mouse embryos of gestational age 7 to 12 days were immunohistochemically (ABC method) studies to investigate the differential expression of these growth factors. Paraffin embedded sections were immunostained with antibodies for TGF -alpha and EGF. In the 8 -day -old mouse embryos, the endocardial tissue, myocardial tissue and cardiac jelly were all TGF -alpha stained. EGF stain was observed in the cardiac jelly and myocardial tissue but was not observed in the endocardial tissue. This suggests that in the initial phase of the cardiovascular system development, TGF -alpha function as earlier growth factor than EGF. The 9, 10 and 11 -day -old embryos showed TGF -alpha stain in the broad spectrum of developing cardiovascular tissues such as, the bulbus cordis, primitive atrium, sinus venosus, aortic sac, dorsal aorta, vitelline artery, endocardial cushion tissue, and myocardium of primitive ventricle. However, EGF stain was observed only in the bulbus cordis, primitive atrium and endocardial tissue. This finding indicates that TGF -alpha function as a more extensive growth factor than EGF. The 12 -day -old embryos showed stronger EGF stain than TGF -alpha in the primitive ventricle, bulbus cordis, and endocardial tissue. This suggests that EGF function as a more growth factor than TGF -alpha at this particular developmental stage and plays important role at the end stage of the primitive heart development.

Keyword

TGF -alpha; EGF; Immunohistochemistry; Cardiovascular system of mouse embryo

MeSH Terms

Animals
Antibodies
Aorta
Arteries
Cardiovascular System
Embryonic Structures*
Endocardial Cushions
Epidermal Growth Factor*
Gestational Age
Heart
Immunohistochemistry
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Mice*
Myocardium
Paraffin
Transforming Growth Factors*
Vitellins
Antibodies
Epidermal Growth Factor
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Paraffin
Transforming Growth Factors
Vitellins