Expression of class I genes in the major histocompatibility complex: identification of eight distinct mRNAs in DBA/2 mouse liver

The mouse H-2 multigene family includes the genes coding for the major transplantation antigens and for genes located in the Qa-TIa region. We have studied a collection of class I cDNA clones made from liver mRNA of DBA/2 mice (H-2d haplotype) and found that at least six distinct class I genes are transcribed, including three genes of the Qa-TIa region. Two of these six genes each yield two distinct mRNAs, resulting from alternate splicing. Altogether, liver cells may express at least eight distinct class I polypeptides, of which three might be secreted, while one may be a new presumptive nonpolymorphic surface antigen.

Pancreatic and gastrointestinal hormones in chronic pancreatitis

Pancreatic and gut hormones have been measured in 39 patients with chronic pancreatitis, 16 of whom had severe pancreatic insufficiency. Patients with pancreatic insufficiency had significantly diminished fasting levels and postprandial rises of pancreatic polypeptide which were less than 20% of normal. Patients with chronic pancreatitis, with or without exocrine insufficiency, had two- to threefold higher plasma levels of motilin and enteroglucagon than controls. Plasma levels of insulin, pancreatic glucagon, gastric inhibitory polypeptide and gastrin were similar to normal in these patients. The pattern of response of these hormones to a test breakfast differs markedly from those seen in other gut disease states and may reflect pathophysiological mechanisms.

Gut hormone responses in the irritable bowel syndrome

Fasting and postprandial levels of gastrin, insulin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, pancreatic polypeptide, motilin, enteroglucagon and neurotensin were measured in 42 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). No overall major abnormalities of secretion of any of these peptides were found, although minor differences from normal of pancreatic polypeptide and neurotensin were observed. It is doubtful whether abnormalities of gut hormone secretion play an important role in the pathophysiology of IBS.

Gut-hormone profile in coeliac disease

Patients with coeliac disease have a highly significant reduction in the release of secretin and gastric inhibitory polypeptide from the upper small intestine, but a greatly increased release of enteroglucagon, and also of neurotensin, from the lower part of the small intestine. The release of gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide, from the antrum and pancreas respectively, is, however, normal. Thus the pattern of hormone release reflects the location of the mucosal lesion. The gut-hormone profile may also help to characterise other gastrointestinal diseases.