Distribution of gastrin in human digestive organs demonstrated by direct immunofluorescence

Gastrin producing cells in the regenerating mucosa of the small intestine

The presence of gastrin producing cells in the regenerating mucosa of the small intestine in 9 out of 19 patients with Crohn's disease, nonspecific ulcer or tuberculosis was histochemically examined, employing the method of peroxydase-antiperoxydase complex. Gastrin producing cells were found in 19 out of a total of 23 specimens with pyloric gland metaplasia, whereas they were found to be present in only 1 out of a total of 15 specimens without pyloric gland metaplasia. They were usually seen in the glands adjacent to the metaplastic pyloric glands. No gastrin producing cells were seen in the control specimens. It is suggested that gastric gland metaplasia of the small intestine is a true metaplastic change, into mucosa which has the functional property of the stomach.

G-cell population in antral mucosa of the dog

The gastrin-cell (G-cell) population in the pyloric antrum of 8 dogs was studied quantitatively by immunofluorescence. The G-cell population was dense in the pyloric antrum and very few cells were seen in the antrocorporal junction. The estimated total number of G cells was (1.66 +/- 0.12) X 10(7) in the pyloric antrum and the greatest number of G cells per unit mucosal surface area was along the greater curvature of the pyloric antrum. Except along the greater curvature, G cells per unit musocal volume were significantly greater in number (P less than 0.05) in the proximal antrum adjacent to the antrocorporal junction that in any other regions distal to it. Differences in mucosal thickness were considered as a causative factor for these differences.

Distribution of gastrin in canine, cat, and human digestive organs

In dogs, cats, and humans, gastrin-containing cells were found only in the antrum and in the duodenum by specific direct immunofluorescence. Distribution within the human duodenum, however, differed from that in cats and dogs. No gastrin-containing cells were seen in other sites of the body.