Epidermal growth factor from the submandibular salivary glands : a potential reproductive performance enhancer in female animals
2011
Estacio, M.A.C., Philippines Univ., Los Baños, College, Laguna (Philippines). Dept. of Basic Veterinary Sciences
Research efforts in animal production are directed towards improving the reproductive performance of female breeder animals in order to maximize production, hasten genetic improvement, provide good sources of protein and realize better economic gains. A number of physiological limitations and knowledge lapses make it difficult to completely maximize the genetic and reproductive performances of female breeders. The need to elucidate the potential influences of newly discovered endocrine compounds, growth factors and cytokines on female reproduction and how these can be adequately manipulated for better reproduction is foremost amongst our concern. Results of the study, which are presented and discussed, suggest that the submandibular salivary glands, the major source of EGF [Epidermal Growth Factor] in rats, influences female reproductive activities such as sexual behavior, pregnancy, parturition and maternal behavior. In addition, it is also vital in the morphologic development of the ovary, oviduct and mammary gland vital for folliculogenesis, ovulation and lactation.
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