Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition attenuates early kidney enlargement in experimental diabetes

Abstract

Background. Renal enlargement is an early feature of both human and experimental diabetes. Although the precise mechanisms underlying its development are incompletely understood, locally active growth factors have been suggested to have a key role. Having previously documented increased expression of the proproliferative and antiapoptotic growth factor, epidermal growth factor (EGF), in early diabetes-related kidney growth, the present study sought to evaluate its pathogenetic role by blocking its action with a specific inhibitor. Methods. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive streptozotocin (diabetic) or buffer (control) and then further randomized to receive either vehicle or the ..