Topical anti-inflammatory activity of human recombinant epidermal growth factor.

The topical anti-inflammatory activity of epidermal growth factor (EGF) was evaluated in inflammation models induced by 12-Otetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, croton oil and arachidonic acid. When EGF (1.5, 3 or 6 microg/ear) was coapplied with each inflammatory agent, there was a dose-related decrease in inflammation as assessed by ear punch weights, myeloperoxidase activity as well as by histopathological studies. The precise anti-inflammatory action of EGF is yet unclear, but we believe that interference with arachidonic acid metabolism may play an important role.