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Endocrine cells in the human oxyntic mucosa. A histochemical study
M Simonsson1, S Eriksson, R Håkanson
1Dept. of Medical Cell Research, University of Lund, Sweden.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|November 1, 1988
Summary
The study identified five endocrine cell types in the human stomach's oxyntic mucosa, with ECL cells being the most frequent (35%). Their distribution varies across the stomach, but sampling the main body is sufficient for assessment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Histology
Background:
- The human stomach's oxyntic mucosa contains multiple endocrine cell types with largely unknown functions.
- Only somatostatin has been identified among the hormones produced by these cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relative frequency and regional distribution of endocrine cell populations in the human oxyntic mucosa.
- To establish reliable methods for identifying and quantifying these cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized immunocytochemistry (chromogranin A, 5-hydroxytryptamine, somatostatin) and silver staining (Grimelius, Sevier-Munger) on biopsy specimens from 13 healthy adults.
- Examined seven fixed locations within the oxyntic mucosa for endocrine cell identification and enumeration.
Main Results:
- Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells constituted 35% of endocrine cells, followed by somatostatin cells (26%) and enterochromaffin (EC) cells (25%).
- Other cell types (A-like, D1, P cells) comprised the remaining 14%.
- Endocrine cells were predominantly in the basal gland portion, with non-uniform regional distribution.
Conclusions:
- The study quantified the major endocrine cell populations in the human oxyntic mucosa.
- Sampling the main body of the stomach appears sufficient for assessing endocrine cell frequency in individuals.