Epidermal Growth Factor: Effect on Circulating Thyroid Hormone Levels in Sheep*

Observations on the effect of thyroid hormones on mouse submaxillary gland epidermal growth factor (EGF) and on the complementary effect of EGF on cultured thyroid cells led us to examine the interaction between EGF and thyroid hormones in the whole animal, during and after 24 h of infusion of 3.3 micrograms/kg X h mouse EGF into 6 merino ewes. There was a profound depression of both circulating T4 and T3 levels, to less than 20% of saline-infused control values, extending beyond the end of infusion. Plasma TSH concentrations were unchanged during the first 8 h of the infusion, excluding the likelihood of a suppressive effect of EGF on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Serum rT3 and 3,3'-diiodothyronine, however, experienced a more transitory 6-fold increase. These findings are consistent with a dual inhibitory effect of EGF on both thyroid hormone secretion and peripheral metabolism.