Characterization of peptic inhibitory activity associated with sulfated glycoprotein isolated from gastric mucosa

Patients with oral lichen planus display lower levels of salivary acidic glycoproteins than individuals without oral mucosal disease

OBJECTIVES

Salivary proteins, acidic glycoproteins, and free calcium might take part in oral mucosal defence against inflammation in oral lichen planus (OLP). The study aimed to investigate whether the levels of sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins, total protein, and free calcium in saliva from patients with OLP differ from those of individuals without oral mucosal diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with OLP (n = 25) and two control groups without any oral mucosal disease; age- and gender-matched controls (n = 25, 65.6 ± 2.9 years), and younger controls (n = 25, 41.8 ± 2.5 years) were included. Subjective dry mouth (xerostomia) was assessed by asking a single-item question. Chew-stimulated whole saliva was collected to measure sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins by the Alcian Blue method. The total protein was determined spectrophotometrically, and the free calcium measured using an electrode.

RESULTS

The output of salivary sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins in the OLP group (21.8 ± 2.4 µg/min) was lower than in the age- and gender-matched controls (43.0 ± 2.9 µg/min, p = 0.0002), whereas the total protein and calcium output did not differ between the three groups (p > 0.05). The prevalence of xerostomia was significantly higher in the OLP group compared to both control groups (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with OLP showed a high prevalence of xerostomia and lower levels of salivary acidic type glycoproteins compared to the individuals without oral mucosa disease.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

It is relevant to investigate the role of acidic glycoproteins in the pathogenesis of OLP.

Comparative microanatomical and histochemical biodistribution profiles of different types of mucins in oesophageal gastric tract mucosa of some tetrapod representatives

The microanatomical features of the oesophageal gastric tract in tetrapod representatives and their function, especially those related to the mucosal layer, have not yet been fully investigated. The mucosal layer cells and their function in the oesophageal gastric tract differ structurally and functionally in tetrapod representatives based on interspecies difference and the type of food and feeding habits. The present study was, therefore, postulated to compare the mucosal microanatomical structure and histochemical biodistribution of different mucin types in oesophageal gastric tract tissues of four tetrapod species. A representative of each tetrapod class was selected, as follows: the Egyptian toad Bufo regularis, the lizard Trachylepis quinquetaeniata, the domestic pigeon Columba livia domestica and the albino mouse Mus musculus for Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia, respectively. Microanatomically, in lower tetrapods (toad and lizard), the mucosal layer of the oesophagus was composed of simple ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells, whereas in higher tetrapods (pigeon and mouse) it was composed of stratified squamous epithelium, with non-keratinised epithelium in the pigeon but keratinised epithelium in the mouse. However, the gastric mucosal layer of the stomach in lower tetrapods consists of simple columnar epithelium and gastric glands. Similarly, the mucosa of the pigeon's proventriculus consists of simple columnar epithelium with proventricular glands opened into the lumen, whereas mouse mucosa consists of simple columnar epithelium which folds and forms gastric glands with gastric pits having a variety of cell types. Histochemically, the neutral mucin profile biodistribution in the oesophagus mucosal layer was variable. It was strongly positive in the toad and lizard, but was weak in the pigeon and completely negative in the mouse. In contrast it was strongly positive in the gastric mucosa of the toad, lizard and pigeon, but was weak in the mouse's gastric mucosa. On the other hand, the signals of carboxylated and sulfated mucins were found to be different. They were strong in the mucosa of the lizard oesophagus. In contrast, the carboxylated mucins in the gastric mucosa were positive in all representatives except the mouse. The sulfated mucins were, however, seen localised in the mucosal layer cells of the lizard and pigeon only. The study revealed that the microanatomical structures and functions as well as mucin distribution profiles in the oesophageal gastric tract are in line with interspecies difference and the type of food and feeding habits. However, this may need further investigations including more tetrapod representatives.

Structural and Mechanical Properties of Thin Films of Bovine Submaxillary Mucin versus Porcine Gastric Mucin on a Hydrophobic Surface in Aqueous Solutions

The structural and mechanical properties of thin films generated from two types of mucins, namely, bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) and porcine gastric mucin (PGM) in aqueous environment were investigated with several bulk and surface analytical techniques. Both mucins generated hydrated films on hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces from spontaneous adsorption arising from their amphiphilic characteristic. However, BSM formed more elastic films than PGM at neutral pH condition. This structural difference was manifested from the initial film formation processes to the responses to shear stresses applied to the films. Acidification of environmental pH led to strengthening the elastic character of BSM films with increased adsorbed mass, whereas an opposite trend was observed for PGM films. We propose that this contrast originates from that negatively charged motifs are present for both the central and terminal regions of BSM molecule, whereas a similar magnitude of negative charges is localized at the termini of PGM molecule. Given that hydrophobic motifs acting as an anchor are also localized in the terminal region, electrostatic repulsion between anchoring units of PGM molecules on a nonpolar PDMS surface leads to weakening of the mechanical integrity of the films.

The effect of hibernation on the morphology and histochemistry of the intestine of the greater mouse-eared bat, Myotis myotis

Seasonal variations in morphometry and histochemistry of the intestine have been examined in the active and hibernating greater mouse-eared bat, Myotis myotis, using histological and histochemical techniques. The results of morphometric analyses indicated that hibernation affected the villus height, villus width, crypt depth and crypt width of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Histochemical analysis showed that goblet cells of the small and large intestine contain acidic and neutral mucosubstances. According to the results obtained with Alcian Blue (pH 5.8)/PAS staining, hyaluronic acid is dominant in the goblet cells of the small and large intestine during both the hibernation and active periods. Chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate, which are sulfated GAGs, were dominant, and very little heparan sulfate, heparin and keratan sulfate were present. Moreover, sulfated glycoproteins were also detected in the goblet cells of the small intestine in the active animals. The present study demonstrates that hibernation altered the examined morphometric and histochemical parameters of the intestine.

A monoclonal antibody, PGM34, against 6-sulfated blood-group H type 2 antigen, on the carbohydrate moiety of mucin

Mucin, a major component of mucus, is a highly O-glycosylated, high-molecular-mass glycoprotein extensively involved in the physiology of gastrointestinal mucosa. To detect and characterize mucins derived from site-specific mucous cells, we developed a monoclonal antibody, designated PGM34, by immunizing a mouse with purified pig gastric mucin. The reactivity of PGM34 with mucin was inhibited by periodate treatment of the mucin, but not by trypsin digestion. This suggests that PGM34 recognizes the carbohydrate portion of mucin. To determine the epitope, oligosaccharide-alditols obtained from pig gastric mucin were fractionated by successive gel-filtration, ion-exchange, and normal-phase HPLC, and tested for reactivity with PGM34. Two purified oligosaccharide-alditols that reacted with PGM34 were obtained. Their structures were determined by NMR spectroscopy as Fucalpha1-2Galbeta1-4GlcNAc(6SO(3)H)beta1-6(Fucalpha1-2Galbeta1-3)GalNAc-ol and Fucalpha1-2Galbeta1-4GlcNAc(6SO(3)H)beta1-6(Galbeta1-3)GalNAc-ol. None of the defucosylated or desulfated forms of these oligosaccharides reacted with PGM34. Thus, the epitope of PGM34 was determined as the Fucalpha1-2Galbeta1-4GlcNAc(6SO(3)H)beta- sequence. Immunohistochemical examination of rat gastrointestinal tract showed that PGM34 stained surface mucous cells close to the generative cell zone in the gastric fundus and goblet cells in the small intestine, but only slightly stained antral mucous cells in the stomach. These data, taken together, show that PGM34 is a very useful tool for elucidating the role of mucins with characteristic sulfated oligosaccharides.

Glycoconjugate histochemistry of the digestive tract of Triturus carnifex (Amphibia, Caudata)

In this study, the variety of sugar residues in the gut glycoconjugates of Triturus carnifex (Amphibia, Caudata) are investigated by carbohydrate conventional histochemistry and lectin histochemistry. The oesophageal surface mucous cells contained acidic glycoconjugates, with residues of GalNAc, Gal beta1,3 GalNAc and (GlcNAc beta1,4)(n) oligomers. The gastric surface cells mainly produced neutral glycoproteins with residues of fucose, Gal beta1-3 GalNAc, Gal-alphaGal, and (GlcNAc beta1,4)(n) oligomers in N- and O-linked glycans, as the glandular mucous neck cells, with residues of mannose/glucose, GalNAc, Gal beta1,3 GalNAc, (GlcNAc beta1,4)(n)oligomers and fucose linked alpha1,6 or terminal alpha1,3 or alpha1,4 in O-linked glycans. The oxynticopeptic tubulo-vesicular system contained neutral glycoproteins with N- and O-linked glycans with residues of Gal-alphaGal, Gal beta1-3 GalNAc and (GlcNAc beta1,4)(n)oligomers; Fuc linked alpha1,2 to Gal, alpha1,3 to GlcNAc in (poly)lactosamine chains and alpha1,6 to GlcNAc in N-linked glycans. Most of these glycoproteins probably corresponds to the H(+)K(+)-ATPase beta-subunit. The intestinal goblet cells contained acidic glycoconjugates, with residues of GalNAc, mannose/ glucose, (GlcNAc beta1,4)(n)oligomers and fucose linked alpha1,2 to Gal in O-linked oligosaccharides. The different composition of the mucus in the digestive tracts may be correlated with its different functions. In fact the presence of abundant sulphation of glycoconjugates, mainly in the oesophagus and intestine, probably confers resistance to bacterial enzymatic degradation of the mucus barrier.

Structural diversity and specific distribution of O-glycans in normal human mucins along the intestinal tract

Purified human mucins from different parts of the intestinal tract (ileum, cecum, transverse and sigmoid colon and rectum) were isolated from two individuals with blood group ALe(b) (A-Lewis(b)). After alkaline borohydride treatment the released oligosaccharides were structurally characterized by nano-ESI Q-TOF MS/MS (electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem MS) without prior fractionation or derivatization. More than 100 different oligosaccharides, with up to ten monosaccharide residues, were identified using this technique. Oligosaccharides based on core 3 structures, GlcNAc(beta1-3)GalNAc (where GlcNAc is N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and GalNAc is N-acetylgalactosamine), were widely distributed in human intestinal mucins. Core 5 structures, GalNAc(alpha1-3)GalNAc, were also recovered in all fractions. Moreover, a comparison of the oligosaccharide repertoire, with respect to size, diversity and expression of glycans and terminal epitopes, showed a high level of mucin-specific glycosylation: highly fucosylated glycans, found specifically in the small intestine, were mainly based on core 4 structures, GlcNAc-(beta1-3)[GlcNAc(beta1-6)]GalNAc, whereas the sulpho-Le(X) determinant carrying core 2 glycans, Gal(beta1-3)[GlcNAc(beta1-6)]-GalNAc (where Gal is galactose), was recovered mainly in the distal colon. Blood group H and A antigenic determinants were present exclusively in the ileum and cecum, whereas blood group Sd(a)/Cad related epitopes, GalNAc(beta1-4)[NeuAc(alpha2-3)]Gal (where NeuAc is N-acetylneuraminate), were found to increase along the length of the colon. Our findings suggest that mucins create an enormous repertoire of potential binding sites for micro-organisms that could explain the regio-specific colonization of bacteria in the human intestinal tract.

Role of sialic acid and sulfate groups in cervical mucus physiological functions: study of Macaca radiata glycoproteins

The influence of charged groups in glycoproteins was investigated to assess their effect on the physiological functions of bonnet monkey cervical mucus. The macromolecular glycoproteins from peri-ovulatory, midcycle phase cervical mucus were treated with Pronase, trypsin and chymotrypsin and the enzyme-resistant glycoproteins purified by gel filtration on Sepharose 4B and a high molecular weight component containing carbohydrates, proteins and sulfate groups was recovered in high yield. This material still reacted with an antiserum directed against purified midcycle glycoprotein but not against another antiserum directed against luteal phase purified glycoproteins. Upon treatment with Pronase, trypsin and chymotrypsin, asialoglycoproteins and desulfated asialoglycoproteins released fragments of low molecular sizes, none of which reacted with the anti-midcycle glycoprotein antiserum. Cervical mucus collected from the estrogenic phase displayed a morphology supporting sperm migration, and this mucus retains the same morphology and reacts with the anti-midcycle glycoprotein antiserum following mild treatment with sialidase and subsequently with Pronase. These results imply that charged carbohydrate groups help maintain the structural and functional integrity of the mucus glycoprotein in its biological environment.

Effect of D-002 on gastric mucus composition in ethanol-induced ulcer

This study was designed to determine the effect of D-002, a natural product isolated and purified from beeswax (Apis mellifera), on gastric mucus composition on ethanol-induced ulcer in rats. The morphology of the lesions was analysed histologically, and morphometric analysis of gastric-gland content in total glycoprotein and sulphated macromolecules were done. Oral pretreatment with D-002 at 5 and 25 mgkg(-1)1 before oral administration of ethanol at 60%, produced a significant increase in the amount of gastric mucus and total protein. The histomorphometric evaluation of the gastric damage at the same doses showed a significant increase in neutral glycoproteins and sulfated macromolecules. It is concluded that enhancement of the quantity and quality of the mucus could partly explain the gastroprotective effect of D-002.

Properties of fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus tokida in gastric mucosal protection

To elucidate the anti-ulcer potential of Cladosiphon fucoidan, anti-peptic activity, bFGF stabilizing activity and inflammatory properties of this and related substances were investigated. Anti-peptic activity was observed with this and other sulfated polysaccharides such as dextran sulfate, carrageenan, and Fucus fucoidan. However, non-sulfated polysaccharides such as mannan and dextran did not exert the anti-peptic activity. The loss of bFGF bioactivity was prevented by all sulfated polysaccharides tested except chondroitin sulfate, at pH 7.4 and at pH 4.0. At pH 2.0, only heparin protected the bFGF activity. The generation of superoxide by macrophages and PMNs was stimulated by dextran sulfate, carrageenan, and Fucus fucoidan, whereas Cladosiphon fucoidan, heparin and chondroitin did not. Dextran sulfate, carrageenan, and Fucus fucoidan also stimulated the secretion of TNFalpha from macrophages, while Cladosiphon fucoidan did not. Thus, Cladosiphon fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide without inflammatory action. These results suggest that Cladosiphon fucoidan is a safe substance with potential for gastric protection.

Comparison of four monoclonal antibodies reacting with gastric gland mucous cell-derived mucins of rat and frog

Features of four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), PGM36, PGM37, PGM38 and HIK1083, reacting with the mucin derived from rat gastric gland mucous cells were compared. By applying enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, all of these MAbs reacted not only with the mucins purified from both rat and frog stomach, but also with the oligosaccharides obtained from the antigenic mucins by alkaline borohydride treatment. These MAbs could be characterized as distinct MAbs due to the immunohistochemical observation of rat cecal mucosa and the reactivity to paranitrophenyl derivatives of monosaccharides. These MAbs might be useful tools to compare the gastric gland-type mucins in different species of vertebrates and to investigate the heterogeneity of the carbohydrate structure of the mucin molecules of various origins.

Sulfomucins in the human body

Mucins are widely distributed in mucous secretion fluids or are associated with plasma membranes. Up to now 9 genes of epithelial mucins have been identified, distributed over five chromosomes. Superposed on the genetic diversity, each type of mucin displays heterogeneity in oligosaccharide composition, including the terminal sugar residues. On top of that there is variation between individuals brought about by blood group antigens. Heterogeneity is further incited by the degree of sulfation. This tremendous structural heterogeneity endows mucin molecules with properties suggestive for a multifunctional role. The major biological function assigned to mucins is still the protection of tissues covered by the mucous gel. Current knowledge on the specific biological functions of the sulfate residues is fragmentary and periphrastic. Glycosylation including sulfation appears to be subject to modification under pathological conditions. There is evidence that sulfation rate-limits bacterial degradation of mucins. Moreover, accumulating data focus towards their involvement in recognition phenomena. Sulfate residues on blood group related structures provoke specific epitopes for selective interaction with microorganisms e.g. Helicobacter pylori. A distinct class of mucins acts as ligands for selectins, crucial in cellular recognition processes like cellular homing of lymphocytes. Whereas in earlier days mucins were only seen as water-binding molecules, protecting the underlying mucosa against harmful agents, the current picture of these molecules is characterized by the selective interaction with their environment, including epithelial-, and endothelial cells and microorganisms, thereby regulating a great number of biological processes. However, the specific role of sulfate remains to be further elucidated.

Establishment of monoclonal antibodies against carbohydrate moiety of gastric mucins distributed in the different sites and layers of rat gastric mucosa

Eight monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), designated RGM21 approximately RGM42, were generated against mucin purified from the rat gastric mucosa. By applying ELISA, all of these MAbs were proved to react not only with the purified mucin, but also with the oligosaccharide mixture obtained from the antigenic mucin by alkaline borohydride treatment. Treatment of the mucin-attached ELISA well with trypsin, sodium periodate or galactose oxidase prior to the addition of the MAb was applied to characterize these MAbs. Histochemical observation indicated that all these MAbs were able to stain the formalin fixed-paraffin embedded sections of the rat gastroduodenal mucosa. Although each of these MAbs reacted with distinct mucus-producing cells localized in particular regions of the gastroduodenal mucosa, their staining specificity could generally be classified into four groups. These MAbs might be useful for estimating the physiological and pathological changes of mucins in the gastric mucosa.

The effects of omeprazole and famotidine on mucin and PGE2 release in the rat stomach

BACKGROUND

Gastric antisecretory agents may inhibit the synthesis or secretion of gastric mucin during acid suppression, which would interfere with mucosal protection and limit the efficacy of the agents.

METHODS

Rats were dosed with famotidine, omeprazole, or buffer control for 4 weeks. Mucin synthesis, mucin histochemistry, mucin carbohydrate composition and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release were measured during and after drug treatment.

RESULTS

PGE2 release was maximally inhibited after 2 weeks of omeprazole or 4 weeks of famotidine. Total glycoprotein synthesis was inhibited at all times by omeprazole, but only after the cessation of dosing with famotidine. Sulphated glycoprotein synthesis was inhibited by both drugs at 2 weeks. PGE2 release and sulphated glycoprotein synthesis were restored to control values or more by the 5th day after the end of dosing, at which time total glycoprotein synthesis was significantly suppressed in both groups. Histologically, a reduction of PAS-positive surface mucus was observed after 2 weeks of dosing in both groups. Both famotidine and omeprazole reduced the sialic acid content during and after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that long-term anti-secretory therapy also affects the production of factors involved in primary gastric mucosal defence, which should be considered in the assessment of response to treatment in clinical trials.

Role of saliva and salivary components as modulators of bleaching agent toxicity to human gingival fibroblasts in vitro

Mild oxygenating agents generating H2O2 are used for effective at-home tooth bleaching, but can cause gingival ulcers in some patients. There are concerns about the possible pathological effects of relatively long-term exposure of oral tissues to bleaching agents. Previous work in our laboratory showed that a bleaching agent, which generates approximately 3% H2O2 from carbamide peroxide, was toxic to human gingival fibroblasts in vitro, but that the toxicity was abolished by treatment with the H2O2-destroying enzyme catalase. The purpose of the present study was to determine if whole saliva, the salivary enzyme lactoperoxidase (LP) (which, like catalase, removes H2O2), or salivary mucin protected fibroblasts from bleaching agent toxicity. The cells were exposed to 0.05% agent with or without saliva, LP, mucin or catalase (as a positive control based on our previous study) and assessed for effect on viability/morphology (by microscopic observation), proliferation (by [3H]-thymidine incorporation), and the production of fibronectin (FN) and type I collagen (by ELISA). While the bleaching agent at 0.05% caused cell death, the cells appeared viable and morphologically normal when treated with the bleaching agent and LP (> or = 0.1 microM), saliva LP, and catalase from agent inhibition of proliferation (P < or = 0.04) and FN production (P < or = 0.01). Mucin had statistically insignificant or no protective effect as assessed by the above parameters. Treatment with saliva, LP, mucin, and catalase gave complete or partial protection from agent-inhibition of collagen production (P < or = 0.04).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enzymic determination of acidic glycoconjugates in human pancreatic juice

Acidic glycoconjugates (glycosaminoglycans, sulfated glycopeptide, and sialoglycopeptide) were isolated by precipitation with cetylpyridinium chloride from human pancreatic juice after digestion with pronase. The acidic glycoconjugates were found exclusively in the proteinaceous precipitate that occurred during dialysis against a buffer of low ionic strength. The concentration of the acidic glycoconjugates in normal pancreatic juice was about 2.4 mg/L. The acidic glycoconjugates were characterized by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membrane and chemical analysis before and after digestion with Streptomyces hyaluronidase, chondroitinase AC, chondroitinase ABC, and heparitinase. It was found that the major acidic glycoconjugates were heparan sulfate (39.3%), sulfated glycopeptide (34.4%), chondroitin sulfate (14.2%), and the minor ones hyaluronic acid (6.4%) and sialoglycopeptide (5.7%).

Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori glycosulfatase activity towards human gastric sulfomucin by a gastroprotective agent, sulglycotide

1. A glycosulfatase activity towards human gastric sulfomucin was identified in the extracellular material elaborated by Helicobacter pylori, a pathogen implicated in the etiology of gastric disease. 2. The purified enzyme displayed an apparent molecular weight of 30 kDa, and exhibited maximum activity at pH 5.7 in the presence of 0.3% Triton X-100 and 100 mM CaCl2. 3. The H. pylori glycosulfatase activity towards human gastric sulfomucin was inhibited by a gastroprotective agent, sulglycotide. The inhibitory effect was proportional to the concentration of sulglycotide up to 20 micrograms/ml, at which a 98% decrease in mucin desulfation occurred. However, the drug lost the inhibitory effect following its chemical desulfation. 4. The results demonstrate that sulglycotide is a potent inhibitor of H. pylori glycosulfatase and, hence, may be of value in the treatment of gastric disease associated with this bacterial infection.

Regional differences in pig gastric mucins

1. Mucus glycoproteins (mucins) were extracted from cardiac, fundic and pyloric regions of pig stomach. 2. The cardiac and pyloric regions were richer with mucins than the fundic region. 3. Threonine and proline content decreased in the order of cardiac, fundic and pyloric mucin. That of serine increased in the order of cardiac, fundic and pyloric mucins. 4. The carbohydrate of gastric mucins consisted of N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, galactose and fucose. The ratios of carbohydrate composition among cardiac, fundic and pyloric mucins differed. 5. Average oligosaccharide length was about 14-15, 12-13 and nine sugars in cardiac, fundic and pyloric mucins, respectively. 6. Disulfide bond reduction of mucins with dithiothreitol led to the production of a larger (M(r) about 8.8 x 10(7)) and a smaller subunit (M(r) about 1.2 x 10(6)). Their ratio differed for each of the three regions. The proportion of the larger subunit decreased in the order of cardiac, fundic and pyloric mucins, as 100, 61.4 and 44.8%, respectively.

Modulation of gastric mucosal calcium channel activity by mucus glycoprotein

1. The effect of gastric mucus glycoprotein on the activity of calcium channel isolated from gastric epithelial cell membrane was investigated. The 45Ca2+ uptake into the vesicle-reconstituted channels, while only moderately (14%) affected by the intact mucus glycoprotein, was found significantly inhibited (59%) by the acidic glycoprotein fraction. This effect was associated with the sialic acid and sulfate ester groups of the glycoprotein, as their removal caused a loss in the inhibition. 2. The channel complex in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and ATP responded by an increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation of 55 and 170 kDa proteins, and the vesicles containing the phosphorylated channels showed a 50% increase in 45Ca2+ uptake. The phosphorylation and the calcium uptake were susceptible to inhibition by a specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein. 3. The channel protein phosphorylation was inhibited by the acidic mucus glycoprotein, which also interfered with the binding of EGF to the channel protein. The inhibitory effect was dependent upon the presence of sulfate ester and sialic acid groups, as evidenced by the loss of the glycoprotein inhibitory capacity following their removal. 4. The results suggest that the acidic gastric mucus glycoproteins, by modulating the EGF-controlled calcium channel phosphorylation, play a major role in gastric mucosal calcium homeostasis.

Nitecapone effect on the synthesis and secretion of gastric sulfomucin

1. The effect of a new antiulcer agent, nitecapone, on the synthesis and secretion of sulfomucin in gastric mucosa was investigated using mucosal segments incubated in the presence of [3H]proline, [3H]glucosamine and [35S]sulfate. 2. The drug, while showing no discernible effect on the apomucin synthesis, evoked a dose-dependent increase in mucin glycosylation and sulfation, which at 225 microM nitecapone, attained its maximum of 1.8 and 2.2-fold stimulation, respectively. 3. The analysis of mucin secretory responses revealed that nitecapone caused a concentration-dependent enhancement in sulfomucin secretion attaining maximum increase of 1.5-fold at 150 microM nitecapone. 4. The stimulatory effect of nitecapone on sulfomucin secretion was accompanied by 1.4-fold increase in mucosal cAMP level, and showed sensitivity to protein kinase A inhibitors, thus pointing towards the involvement of protein kinase A in mediation of gastric sulfomucin secretory responses to nitecapone. 5. The ability of nitecapone to enhance sulfomucin synthesis and secretion could be of importance to the gastroprotective action of this agent.

Partial purification and characterization of an endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase from the culture medium of Streptomyces sp. OH-11242

For the purification of a new type of endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase from the culture medium of Streptomyces sp. OH-11242 (endo-GalNAc-ase-S) [Iwase, Ishii, Ishihara, Tanaka, Omura & Hotta (1988) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 151, 422-428], a method for assaying enzyme activity was established. Using purified pig gastric mucus glycoprotein (PGM) as the substrate, oligosaccharides liberated from PGM were pyridylaminated, and the reducing terminal sugars of oligosaccharides larger than Gal beta 1-3GalNAc were analysed by h.p.1.c. The crude enzyme of endo-GalNAc-ase-S was prepared as an 80% (w/v) ammonium sulphate precipitate from the concentrated culture medium. The enzyme was partially purified by gel chromatofocusing and subsequent DEAE-Toyopearl chromatography. Endo-enzyme activity eluted around pI 4.8 on a gel chromatofocusing column and eluted with 0.19-0.25 M-NaCl on a DEAE-Toyopearl column. In the enzyme fraction obtained, no exo-glycosidases or proteases could be detected. The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated as 105 kDa by gel filtration, and the optimum pH was 5.5. Endo-GalNAc-ase-S hydrolysed the O-glycosidic linkage between GalNAc and Ser (Thr) in 3H-labelled and unlabelled asialofetuin, liberating both the disaccharide (Gal beta 1-3GalNAc) and the tetrasaccharide [Gal beta 1-3 (Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-6)GalNAc]. When endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase from Alcaligenes sp. (endo-GalNac-ase-A) was incubated with 3H-labelled and unlabelled asialofetuin, only the disaccharide (Gal beta 1-3GalNAc) was liberated.

Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide effect on the synthesis and secretion of gastric sulfomucin

The effect of H. pylori lipopolysaccharide on the synthesis and secretion of sulfated mucin in gastric mucosa was investigated using mucosal segments incubated in the presence of [3H]proline, [3H]glucosamine and [35S]Na2SO4. The lipopolysaccharide, while showing no discernible effect on the apomucin synthesis was found to inhibit the process of mucin glycosylation and sulfation, which at 100 micrograms/ml lipopolysaccharide reached the optimal inhibition of 65%. The analysis of mucin secretory responses revealed that the lipopolysaccharide by first 15 min caused a 57% stimulation in sulfomucin secretion followed thereafter by inhibition, which reached maximum of 32% by 45 min. The results suggest that colonization of gastric mucosa by H. pylori may be detrimental to the process of gastric sulfomucin synthesis and secretion.

Analysis of porcine gastric mucus glycoprotein added to a culture medium of Streptomyces sp. OH-11242 as the only source of carbon

1. In the process of obtaining the degradation enzymes of mucus glycoprotein, porcine gastric mucus glycoprotein (PGM), added as the only source of carbon, was removed from the culture medium of Streptomyces sp. OH-11242 [Iwase et al. (1988) Biochem. biophys. Res. Commun. 151, 422-428] and analysed. 2. The amino acid and carbohydrate compositions of porcine gastric mucus glycoprotein (PGM-m) recovered from a culture medium were similar to those of original PGM. 3. However, the elution profile of PGM-m on Sephacryl S-400 differed from that of PGM and closely resembled that of performic acid-treated PGM or protease-treated PGM. 4. Either of these corresponded to the so-called subunit of approximately 550,000 in mol. wt, as reported by Scawen and Allen [(1977) Biochem. J. 163, 363-368]. 5. Performic acid treatment of PGM-m led to the production of a smaller unit (unit m) having a mol. wt of about 72,000. Separate treatment of different sized components prepared from PGM-m showed the above unit m to be produced from each molecule. 6. Thus, PGM-m is a molecule partly modified by various glycosidases including endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and exposure of the modified part to performic acid results in oxidation. 7. Production of unit m from both larger and smaller molecules indicates the part susceptible to performic acid to exist at regular intervals on the mucus glycoprotein molecule.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Glycosulfatase activity of helicobacter pylori toward gastric mucin

A glycosulfatase activity toward sulfated gastric mucus glycoprotein was identified in the extracellular material elaborated by H. pylori, a bacteria implicated in the etiology of gastric disease. Upon acetone precipitation, an active enzyme fraction at 64% acetone was obtained which on SDS-PAGE gave a major 30kDa protein band. The H. pylori glycosulfatase exhibited maximum activity (314.8 pmol/mg protein/h) at pH 5.7 in the presence of Triton X-100 and CaCl2, and was capable of removal of the sulfate ester groups situated at C-6 of N-acetylglucosamine, galactose and glucose. However, the enzyme was ineffective toward galactosylceramide and lactosylceramide sulfates which contain the sulfate ester group on C-3 of galactose. The results suggest that H. pylori is capable of overcoming the interference by sulfated mucus glycoprotein with its colonization of gastric mucosa.

Effect of reserpine on the histochemical and biochemical properties of rat intestinal mucin

Biochemical and histochemical parameters of intestinal mucins were examined in control and reserpine-treated rats. An assay for intestinal mucin sulfotransferase was developed and the activity shown to increase 3.4 times over control levels in rats given intraperitonal reserpine (0.5 mg/kg body wt) daily for 7 days. Histochemical staining of intestinal sections revealed an increase in sulfomucins in goblet cells of reserpine-treated rats. The effects were prominent as early as 1 day following injection, particularly in the distal third of the small intestine, and during the next 6 days these changes spread progressively to the middle and proximal thirds. After 3 days of treatment mucins were purified from each intestinal segment and compared to control mucins with respect to composition and [35S]NaSO4 incorporation. Although individual amino acid and carbohydrate molar ratios were unchanged, the total carbohydrate and sulfate content of mucins in treated animals was elevated (two to three times above control) in the middle and distal thirds of the intestine. In vivo [35S]SO4 incorporation into these mucins was also proportionaltely elevated, and was targetted to O-linked oligosaccharide side chains. These findings are consistent with an action of reserpine causing an increased production of mucin which is enriched in glycoprotein components bearing sulfated oligosaccharide chains. The relevance of these findings to the production of hypersulfated and hyperglycosylated mucins in cystic fibrosis is discussed.

Effect of low doses of a trichothecene mycotoxin (diacetoxyscirpenol) on rat gastric glycoproteins: a histochemical study

A histochemical study was carried out to evaluate the changes occurring in the glycoproteins of the stomach of the rat following short-term treatment with the trichothecene mycotoxin, diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS). Staining with alcian blue methods for detecting complex carbohydrates and with lectin conjugates (Con A, LTA, PNA, SBA and WGA) showed an increased alcianophilia at pH 2.6 and pH 1.0 for various parts of the fundic glands. With respect to lectin staining, DAS intoxication was characterized by enhanced labelling with LTA and SBA in the surface epithelium and in the foveolae, while WGA binding appeared in the lower mucous neck cells. These data suggest that the contents of the mucus-producing cells of the fundic glands of the rat stomach could be affected by low doses of diacetoxyscirpenol even following only 2 days of treatment.

Types of oligosaccharide sulphation, depending on mucus glycoprotein source, corpus or antral, in rat stomach

Radiolabelled mucus glycoprotein was obtained from tissue and a culture medium each of the corpus and antrum of rat stomach incubated with [35S]sulphate in vitro. Gel-filtration analysis of oligosaccharides liberated by alkaline-borohydride treatment from glycoproteins indicated that 35S-labelled oligosaccharides from the corpus vary considerably with respect to chain length whereas those from antral mucus glycoprotein are composed of small oligosaccharides. Examination of the reduced radiolabelled products obtained by HNO2 cleavage of the hydrazine-treated oligosaccharides indicated sulphate esters of N-acetylglucosamine to be present at three locations on a carbohydrate unit: [35S]sulphated monosaccharide (2,5-anhydromannitol 6-sulphate), [35S]sulphated disaccharide [galactosyl(beta 1-4)-2,5-anhydromannitol 6-sulphate] and [35S]sulphated trisaccharide [fucosyl(alpha 1-2)-galactosyl(beta 1-4)-2,5-anhydromannitol 6-sulphate]. Sulphated disaccharide and trisaccharide, possibly originating from the N-acetyl-lactosamine and fucosyl-N-acetyl-lactosamine sequences respectively, were detected in the corpus, especially as large oligosaccharides, but were present in the antrum in only very small amounts. The sulphated monosaccharide, however, most probably originating from 6-sulphated N-acetylglucosamine residues at non-reducing termini, was present in all oligosaccharide fractions in both the corpus and antrum.

Sulphation causes heterogeneity of gastric mucins

The synthesis of mucus glycoprotein in rat stomach was studied in stomach segments, which were pulse-labelled with both [3H]galactose and [35S]sulphate and chased for various times. The radioactive glycoproteins were analyzed by CsCl centrifugation and by agarose gel electrophoresis. After a pulse-labelling for 15 min with [3H]galactose, a possible intermediate with an Mr of 200,000 and a buoyant density of 1.60 g/ml could be demonstrated. Following chase periods of 1 and 4 h, [3H]galactose and [35S]sulphate were present in glycoproteins with a mean buoyant density of 1.50 g/ml. This is clearly different from the main density of glycoproteins isolated from mucosal scrapings (1.46 g/ml). Another difference is the high electrophoretic mobility on gel electrophoretic analysis of newly synthesized glycoproteins compared to that of the major portion of the glycoproteins from mucosal scrapings. When sulphation of glycoproteins was inhibited by sodium chlorate, electrophoretic mobility and buoyant density both decreased. Sodium chlorate had no effect on glycoprotein synthesis nor on glycoprotein secretion. We conclude from our data that the heterogeneity in electrophoretic mobility and buoyant density can be attributed to a different degree of sulphation of the same glycoprotein.

Isolation and characterization of sulfated glycoprotein from human pancreatic juice

Sulfated glycoprotein was isolated by precipitation from dialyzed human pancreatic juice and purified by ion-exchange chromatography followed by repeated gel chromatography. The sulfated glycoprotein was obtained as a sulfated glycoprotein-lipid complex by Sepharose CL-2B chromatography. Lipids aggregating with the sulfated glycoprotein were glycolipids such as ceramide trihexoside, and simple lipids such as cholesterol and cholesterol ester. This glycoprotein was resistant to digestion with mucopolysaccharidases or alpha-amylase, and consisted of 60% (w/w) protein and 40% sugars. The polypeptide core was characterized by a high content of serine, threonine, aspartic acid and glycine, but lacked cysteine. Its sugar components were N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, fucose and sialic acid. Absorption at 1240 cm-1 and 820 cm-1 by infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of a sulfate ester group. All the carbohydrate chains of this sulfated glycoprotein, which are polydisperse and heterogeneous, were O-glycosidically linked through N-acetylgalactosamine to a protein core.

Prostaglandin effect on the enzymatic sulfation of mucus glycoprotein in gastric mucosa

The effect of 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (DMPGE2) on the sulfation of mucus glycoprotein in gastric mucosa was investigated. The enzymatic activity which catalyzes the transfer of the sulfate ester group from 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate to gastric mucus glycoprotein was located in the detergent extracts of Golgi-rich membrane fraction of antral and body mucosa of rat stomach. The sulfotransferase activity of this fraction from body mucosa, however, was 35% higher than that from the antrum. The enzyme exhibited optimum activity at pH 6.8 using 0.5% Triton X-100 and 30 mM NaF. The apparent Km of the enzyme for sulfation of mucus glycoprotein was 10.5 microM, and the sulfate ester was found incorporated into the carbohydrate chains of the glycoprotein. Introduction of DMPGE2 to the reaction mixtures led to an enhancement in the rate of mucus glycoprotein sulfation. The rate of enhancement was proportional to the concentration of DMPGE2 up to 1.0 x 10(-4) M and was of the competitive type, with an apparent Km value of 6.7 microM. Since sulfated mucins play an important role in gastric mucosal defense and the increase in their sulfation occurred at levels of prostaglandin present in gastric mucosa, the observed effect may be of significance to gastric mucosal defense in vivo.

Release of oligosaccharides possessing reducing-end N-acetylgalactosamine from mucus glycoprotein in Streptomyces sp. OH-11242 culture medium through action of endo-type glycosidase

A crude enzyme preparation from a culture medium of Streptomyces sp. OH-11242 contained endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity. The activity could be induced by the addition of purified porcine gastric mucin to the culture medium. Oligosaccharides corresponding to approximately 2-14 glucose units were detected in the culture medium and also in an incubated reaction mixture of crude enzyme preparation and mucus glycoprotein. The resulting product with N-acetylgalactosamine at the reducing terminal implied the presence of a new type of endo-glycosidase liberating not only Gal beta 1-3GalNAc but also other larger oligosaccharides by hydrolysis of the O-glycosidic linkage between GalNAc and Ser (Thr).

Effects of treatment with smectite on gastric and intestinal glycoproteins in the rat: a histochemical study

A histochemical study was carried out to evaluate the changes that occur in the glycoproteins of the rat digestive tract following short term treatment with a clay smectite. Staining with the usual methods for detecting complex carbohydrates and with lectin conjugates (Con A, LTA, PNA, SBA and WGA) showed that the stomach was the susceptible organ. Increased staining with LTA and SBA, together with a decrease in the abundance of sulphate groups in the upper mucous neck cells, was observed after the clay treatment. Such treatment induced only slight changes in jejunal and colonic glycoproteins while no modification was observed in the colon. These data suggest that the content of mucus-producing cells could be affected by smectite, even following short-term treatment.

Mucus glycoprotein secretion by duodenal mucosa in response to luminal arachidonic acid

The effect of luminal application of arachidonic acid on the alkaline secretion, prostaglandin generation, and mucus glycoprotein output and composition was studied in proximal and distal duodenum of conscious dogs. Surgically prepared duodenal loops were instilled in vivo for up to 2 h with saline (control) followed by various concentrations (12.5-100 micrograms/ml) of arachidonic acid. The experiments were conducted with and without intravenous pretreatment with indomethacin. The recovered instillates were assayed for the content of prostaglandin and HCO3-, and used for the isolation of mucus glycoprotein. Exposure of duodenal mucosa to arachidonic acid led to concentration-dependent increase in the output of HCO3- and prostaglandin generation. In both cases this response was greater in the proximal duodenum. Pretreatment with indomethacin caused reduction in the basal HCO3- and prostaglandin output, and prevented the increments evoked by arachidonic acid. The proximal and distal duodenum displayed similar basal output and composition of mucus glycoprotein. Comparable increases in these glycoproteins were also obtained with arachidonic acid, the effect of which was abolished by indomethacin. Compared to basal conditions, mucus glycoproteins elaborated in response to arachidonic acid exhibited higher contents of associated lipids and covalently bound fatty acids, and contained less protein. The associated lipids of mucus glycoproteins elaborated in the presence of arachidonic acid showed enrichment in phospholipids and decrease in neutral lipids. The carbohydrate components in these glycoproteins also exhibited higher proportions of sialic acid and sulfate. The changes brought about by arachidonic acid were prevented by indomethacin pretreatment, and in both cases the glycoprotein composition returned to that obtained under basal conditions. The enrichment of mucus glycoprotein in lipids, sialic acid and sulfate in response to endogenous prostaglandin may be of significance to the function of this glycoprotein in the hostile environment of the duodenum.

Preservation of mucus in situ in rat colon

Mucus, a hydrated complex consisting mainly of glycoproteins, forms a layer over the epithelial surface of the gastrointestinal tract. The usual preparative procedures for histological and scanning electron microscopic examination of the gut result in the loss or distortion of this mucus layer. Careful evaluation of two new methods reported to stabilize the mucus layer showed that acrolein vapor did not provide adequate fixation, but application of heat-inactivated antiserum raised in rabbits against rat colon mucus reliably preserved a continuous layer closely adherent to the epithelium. This stabilized layer is continuous with the mucus in the colonic crypts.

A method for the identification of sulfated glycopeptide by two-dimensional electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membrane

Two-dimensional electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membrane permits the clean separation of sulfated glycopeptide in a mixture of acidic glycans (glycosaminoglycans and acidic glycopeptides). Two systems were used. In system 1, 0.1 M pyridine-0.47 M formic acid buffer (pH 3.0) was used in the first and 0.1 M barium acetate (pH 8.0) in the second dimension. In system 2, 0.1 M pyridine-0.47 M formic acid buffer (pH 3.0) was used in the first and 0.1 M HCl in the second dimension. All of the acidic glycans on electrophoretogram were stained with alcian blue in 70% ethanol. On the other hand, sulfated glycans alone were made visible with alcian blue in 0.1 M HCl. Alcian blue in 70% ethanol or 0.1 M HCl, when combined with periodic acid-Schiff's reagent identified sulfated glycopeptides on cellulose acetate membrane.

Effects of aspirin on gastric mucus glycoprotein in fed and fasted rats

Gastric lesions induced by aspirin increased the ulcer index and incidence with prolongation of fasting time. Aspirin decreased gastric mucus glycoprotein in both the corpus and antrum. However, the rate of decrease in mucus glycoprotein induced by aspirin differed according to feeding habits and the gastric region. Qualitative change in corpus mucus glycoprotein was induced by aspirin.

Pig gastric mucus: a one-way barrier for H+

Gastric mucus is thought to protect the underlying mucosal cells from mechanical hazards and back-diffusion of luminal H+. In health, a pH gradient exists across the mucus layer from the variable low pH of the lumen to a pH approaching neutrality at the epithelial cell surface. By current hypotheses this gradient is maintained by the combined effects of an unstirred layer, restricted or slowed diffusion of H+ in the mucus, and the epithelial cell secretion of bicarbonate, which is confined to the cell surface by the mucus layer. These mechanisms do not explain how H+ is secreted through mucus in the first place. Using a modified diffusion chamber we have shown that pig gastric mucus facilitates a low-efficiency Na+/H+ exchange--a property that helps to clarify some previously unexplained components of H+ secretion. When a solution containing Na+ was separated by a layer of fresh pig gastric mucus from a solution of similar pH containing a much lower concentration of sodium, the sodium-rich solution was electrically negative relative to the sodium-poor solution and its pH decreased significantly with time. A similar pH gradient developed when the barrier was a synthetic cation-exchange membrane, and one of opposite sign when it was an anion exchanger; no pH gradient developed across neutral barriers. It is suggested that similar electrical coupling of H+ diffusion to active Na+ transport might in vivo ensure that secreted H+ moves into the gastric lumen.

Characterization of blood group active glycopeptides derived from porcine kidneys

Sialoglycopeptide fractions were prepared from the pronase digest of porcine kidneys by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 column chromatography and gel-filtration through Sephadex G-100. Their chemical compositions and large molecular size suggested that these glycopeptides were derived from mucin-type glycoprotein(s). The results of the beta-elimination reaction indicated that they have the O-glycosidic linkages between N-acetylgalactosamine and serine/threonine. The glycopeptides exhibited blood group A and H activities. The present study revealed that the porcine kidney contains the blood group antigens of glycoprotein nature.

Distribution of mucus glycoprotein in four compartments of lamb and sheep stomach

The regional distribution of mucus glycoprotein in lamb before weaning and sheep was studied. Mucus glycoprotein was present in the forestomach region of lamb and glandular stomach (abomasum) of lamb and sheep. Ester sulfates were found in all mucus glycoproteins obtained.

Effects of fasting on mucus glycoprotein biosynthesis in rat stomach

Biosynthetic activity of gastrin mucus glycoprotein in rats after fasting for 24 and 72 hr was studied by the organ culture technique. Fasting produced a slight reduction in gastric mucus glycoprotein biosynthesis in the corpus and antrum (about 70-90% of fed rats). Sulfation of gastric mucus glycoprotein was restrained in the corpus (18% in control for 72 hr).

Fast axonal transport of tyrosine sulfate-containing proteins: preferential routing of sulfoproteins toward nerve terminals

The presence of a subset of fast-transported proteins containing sulfate while lacking carbohydrate residues [Stone et al. (1983). J. Neurochem. 41:1085-1089] was confirmed by two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis of individual fast-transported proteins double-labeled with 35SO4 and [3H]mannose. Analysis by high-pressure liquid chromatography revealed that the sulfate moieties of these "sulfoproteins" are linked to tyrosine residues. Separation of fast-transported 35SO4-labeled proteins delivered to local regions of axon from proteins en route toward terminal regions demonstrated, on the basis of acid lability of tyrosine-bound sulfate, that the sulfoproteins were localized preferentially in the wavefront of fast-transported proteins. Analysis of individual sulfoproteins confirmed differential transport in that sulfoproteins were present at threefold greater amount in the wavefront than in material off-loaded to local regions of the axon. By contrast, nonsulfated species of molecular weights similar to those of the sulfoproteins were detected in nearly equal amounts in both regions of the transport profile. Treatment of nerve segments containing total 35SO4-labeled fast-transported proteins with sodium carbonate led to solubilization of half the protein-bound sulfate. Exposure of the solubilized proteins to mild acid resulted in the release of approximately 80% of the 35SO4 associated with this fraction. Two-dimensional gel patterns displaying carbonate releasable or nonreleasable fractions are consistent with the most abundantly labeled sulfoproteins being transported within membrane-bound organelles. In terms of apparent destination and subcellular compartmentalization, the sulfoproteins meet critical requirements for consideration as secretable fast-transported proteins.

Changes in the Incorporating Activity of 35S-Sulfate into Gastric Sulfated Glycoproteins in the Rat with Erosions by Restraint and Water Immersion Stress

The synthetic activity of rat gastric sulfated glycoproteins (SGP) in vitro was investigated at various time intervals after water immersion stress using 35S-sulfate as a precursor. More than 90 percent of the total radioactivity was incorporated into mucosal SGP, and the rest was incorporated into glycosaminoglycans in the gastric muscular layer. The incorporation of 35S-sulfate into SGP increased at 2 hr and decreased at 6 hr after the onset of stress. The incorporating activity again increased markedly at 12 hr and then recovered to the normal level at 24 hr after the onset of stress. An anti-ulcer agent, N-(N-acetyl-beta-alanyl)-L-histidine aluminum complex (AAHA), significantly increased the SGP synthetic activity at 12 hr and at 24 hr after the onset of stress. It was indicated from the elution patterns on the DEAE-cellulose column that AAHA increased the amount of highly sulfated glycoproteins compared with the stress control at 12 hr after the onset of stress. The uronic acid content in the gastric muscular layer of the rat was unchanged with stress. These results in the in vitro experiment indicate that the SGP synthetic activity does not decrease with stress load, but rather increases at 2 hr and at 12 hr after the onset of stress when a sufficient amount of 35S-sulfate is supplied. Accordingly, it is suggested that SGP facilitates the restoration of the gastric mucosal damage caused by stress.

Effects of fasting on mucus glycoprotein in rat stomach

Quantitative changes and chemical composition of gastric mucus glycoproteins in rats after fasting for 24 and 72 hr were studied. The amount of glycoproteins increased in the corpus mucosa during these periods (220% in control for 72 hr), but remained the same in the antrum. The acidity of corpus glycoproteins decreased during the fasting.