Tumour promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate and epidermal growth factor stimulate proliferation and inhibit differentiation of porcine thyroid cells in primary culture.

12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) is a potent tumour promoter and shows several biological activities of epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF and TPA stimulated proliferation and inhibited differentiation of porcine thyroid cells in primary culture. They also stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation and inhibited an early step in thyroid hormone synthesis (iodine organification). The results indicate that EGF and TPA switch the developmental course of porcine thyroid cells from differentiation to proliferation.