Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is an acid- and heat-stable 53 amino acid protein originally found in rodents and humans. It has been shown to be a potent mitogen for a variety of cell types both in vivo and in vitro. EGF binds to the EGF receptor on the surface of cells and mediates intrinsic phosphorylation of the receptor on tyrosine residues. It has been detected in nearly all body fluids, such as urine (urogastrone), saliva, milk and platelet-rich plasma. EGF, TGF?and vaccinia virus gr