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Gastrin in fetal and neonatal pigs
1School of Agriculture, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Austria.
Summary
Gastrin levels rise in fetal and neonatal pigs, with distinct molecular forms in blood and stomach. Fetal gastric gastrin may stimulate gut development.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Gastrin plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal development and function.
- Understanding gastrin's ontogeny is vital for comprehending fetal and neonatal gut maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentration and molecular forms of gastrin in fetal and neonatal pigs.
- To explore the presence and stability of gastrin in fetal gastric contents.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gastrin in plasma and gastrointestinal tissue extracts from 93-day gestation to 12-week-old pigs.
- Characterization of gastrin molecular forms (G34 and G17).
- Incubation studies of synthetic gastrin in fetal gastric contents.
Main Results:
- Gastrin was detected in fetal pigs at 93 days gestation, with concentrations increasing up to birth and peaking postnatally.
- Plasma predominantly contained G34, while the antrum showed a higher proportion of G17.
- Gastrin, mainly G17, was found in fetal gastric contents, with varying stability depending on the source.
Conclusions:
- Gastrin levels and molecular profiles change significantly during porcine fetal and neonatal development.
- The presence of gastrin in fetal gastric contents suggests a potential role in stimulating fetal gut development.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of gastrin's influence on gut maturation.