Human recombinant epidermal growth factor (hEGF) was evaluated in various corneal wound healing models in the rabbit. Human EGF accelerated epithelial wound healing in corneal reepithelialization, anterior-keratectomy, and alkali-burn models at concentrations of 10-500 micrograms/ml given four times daily (qid). In the corneal reepithelialization model, 100 micrograms/ml of hEGF qid produced a 45% increase in the wound-healing rate compared with control (0.13 versus 0.09 mm/hr) with a similar response at 500 micrograms/ml qid. In the anterior-keratectomy model, 500 micrograms/ml of hEGF qid accelerated healing by 40% (0.07 versus 0.05 mm/hr), although the 100 micrograms/ml dose was not active in this model, and 1 microgram/ml of hEGF actually slowed the healing rate. In the alkali-burn model, 10 and 100 micrograms/ml of hEGF qid for 32 days appeared to produce faster initial healing of the wound compared with control, although the wound recurred in both hEGF and control groups. These results suggest that hEGF may be helpful in some epithelial disorders in humans, although considerations of dose response and optimal dosing regimens must be addressed.