G-cell population in antral mucosa of the dog

The gastrin-cell (G-cell) population in the pyloric antrum of 8 dogs was studied quantitatively by immunofluorescence. The G-cell population was dense in the pyloric antrum and very few cells were seen in the antrocorporal junction. The estimated total number of G cells was (1.66 +/- 0.12) X 10(7) in the pyloric antrum and the greatest number of G cells per unit mucosal surface area was along the greater curvature of the pyloric antrum. Except along the greater curvature, G cells per unit musocal volume were significantly greater in number (P less than 0.05) in the proximal antrum adjacent to the antrocorporal junction that in any other regions distal to it. Differences in mucosal thickness were considered as a causative factor for these differences.