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.