For the determination of LDL receptor expression on living human cells two monoclonal antibodies specific for the extracellular domain of LDL receptor were established using affinity-purified LDL receptor and carrier-conjugated LDL receptor peptide 163-174 as immunizing antigens. The 125I-labeled antibodies were used to quantify increases in LDL receptor expression on human cells grown in the presence of increasing concentrations of various growth factors. Growth factor-mediated increase of LDL receptor expression was entirely different in various cell lines with respect to a distinct growth factor and for different growth factors when tested with one and the same cell line. An increased LDL receptor expression was observed on A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells of the vulva in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) or insulin but not with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), on HUV-EC primary endothelial cells in the presence of insulin or PDGF but not with EGF, and on MRC-5 diploid fetal lung cells only in the presence of PDGF. HEP-3B hepatoma cells did not respond to any of the three growth factors essentially maintaining the original level of LDL receptor expression.