Effects of EGF and PMA on the growth and proliferation of IEC-6 cells

Proliferation of an epithelial line (IEC-6) derived from the crypts of rat jejunum was induced with epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF enhanced synthesis of protein, RNA, and DNA in a dose-dependent manner. Protein synthesis increased within 6-12 hours of exposure to EGF and remained elevated for 72 hours. Maximal 3H-thymidine incorporation occurred 48 hours after addition of EGF. The stimulatory effect of EGF on 3H-thymidine incorporation was two-fold greater in serum-free media than in media containing fetal calf serum (FCS). In contrast to EGF, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) decreased 3H-thymidine uptake by IEC-6 cells and had no effect on either protein synthesis or RNA synthesis. EGF did not alter protein kinase-C activity in IEC-6 cells whereas PMA induced enzyme activity: activity was translocated from cytosol to membrane. Moreover, the EGF-associated increase in 3H-thymidine uptake was not altered by amiloride. These data suggest protein kinase-C activation may not be involved in the proliferation of IEC-6 cells.