Transforming growth factor-alpha, like epidermal growth factor, stimulates cell proliferation and inhibits prolactin secretion in the human decidual cells in vitro.

In order to clarify the biological action of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) in the human decidua, we investigated the effects of TGF-alpha on cell proliferation and prolactin (PRL) secretion in cultured decidual cells in vitro. TGF-alpha had a stimulatory effect on DNA synthesis in decidual cells and an inhibitory effect on PRL secretion from these cells. These results suggest that TGF-alpha, like epidermal growth factor (EGF), may be one of the substances which regulate decidual function.