Self-replication of enterochromaffin-like cells in the mouse stomach

The renewal mechanisms for enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells, the predominating endocrine cell population in the oxyntic mucosa of the stomach, were investigated in the mouse. The ECL cells were selectively demonstrated by immunostaining using histamine antibodies. Under basal conditions, when observed during the night, ECL cells in mitosis could be seen. This observation proved their ability to divide. Autoradiography after a single pulse and after multiple injections of 3H-thymidine made it possible to study some of their cytokinetic characteristics. The observed replication rate of the labeled ECL cells suggested that self-replication is the main mechanism by which the ECL cell population is renewed. The time interval between two successive divisions of labeled ECL cells was estimated to be around 60 days. Since ECL cells proliferate through mitosis, it may be expected that specific mitogenic stimuli might promote the induction of ECL cell hyperplasia and eventually ECL cell tumors (gastric carcinoids).