Abstract: AIM: To observe the teratology of epidermal growth factor (EGF)orally administered in mice.METHODS: Doses of EGF 2,12,and 72μg·kg^-1·d^-1were given by iPon d 6^-15 of in mice with gestation.RESULTS: Fetuses were removed by cesarean section 1dPrior to expectedParturition,the rates of viable fetuses,absorption,dead fetuses,external and skeletal abnormality were recorded.Compared with vehicle control group,the rates of viable fetuses and absorption increased markedly in 72μg·kg^-1treatment group.CONCLUSION: The epidermal growth factor shows embryotoxicity,but no evidence of teratogenicity.

Key words: toxicology, epidermal growth factor, embryotoxicity, teratogenicity, safety evaluation