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Gastric secretory function in the developing human stomach
E J Kelly1, K G Brownlee, S J Newell
1Department of Anatomy, University of Leeds, UK.
Insights
Gastric parietal cells are present and functional from the first trimester of fetal development. However, their activity significantly decreases in infants after birth.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Limited data exists on gastric parietal cell activity in premature infants.
- Understanding early gastric function is crucial for infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence, location, and maturity of gastric parietal cells in developing human fetuses and infants.
- To assess the potential for gastric acid and intrinsic factor secretion during early development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized standard histological techniques.
- Employed antibodies targeting H+/K+ ATPase (proton pump) and intrinsic factor.
- Examined 35 fetal specimens (13-28 weeks) and 5 infant specimens (2-21 weeks).
Main Results:
- Parietal cells were identified in the body, antrum, and pyloric regions of all fetal specimens.
- Parietal cell activity was observed in a mature, functional form from the end of the first trimester.
- A marked decrease in parietal cell activity was noted in the infant specimens compared to fetal specimens.
Conclusions:
- Developing human stomachs possess mature, functional parietal cells capable of secreting gastric acid and intrinsic factor by the end of the first trimester.
- Parietal cell activity appears to diminish significantly after birth in early infancy.
Abstract:
Little data exists regarding the activity of gastric parietal cells in the very immature infant. Therefore we have examined the developing human stomach for the presence and location of parietal cells, using both standard histological methods and antibodies to the H+/K+ ATPase (proton pump) and intrinsic factor, in 35 fetuses (ranging from 13-28 weeks) and in five infants (2-21 weeks). Parietal cell activity was noted in the body, antrum and pyloric regions in all the fetal specimens examined. However, this activity was much more limited in the infant specimens. We have noted that from the end of the first trimester parietal cells are present in a mature, functional form with the potential to secrete both gastric acid and intrinsic factor.