Tubular necrosis elicits a process of renal tissue repair characterized by an increase of cell turnover in tubular epithelium. The present study was undertaken to examine the distribution of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and/or of its larger precursor proEGF in the kidney undergoing tubular regeneration. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to various drugs (aminoglycosides or platinum-based anticancer agents) known to induce tubular necrosis. The proliferative response resulting from renal tissue damage was measured by the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA of renal cells. EGF immunoreactivity was evidenced by immunocytochemical staining, using anti-EGF antibody and immunogold-silver staining. Concomitantly with the increase of cell proliferation resulting from tubular injury, a redistribution of EGF immunoreactivity was observed in renal tissue (from the inner stripe of outer medulla towards renal cortex). Amazingly, EGF was detected in proximal tubules of nephrotoxin-treated rats whereas, in the kidneys of control animals, it was almost exclusively found in distal tubules and collecting ducts. Insofar as the administration of exogenous EGF has recently been shown to enhance renal tubular regeneration after ischaemic injury [Humes et al: J Clin Invest 1989; 84:1757-1761], our observations lend further support to the concept that EGF might be involved in renal tissue repair.