Antral gland cell column: a method for studying release of gastric hormones

A technique for studying in vitro release of gastric hormones has been developed. The system utilizes nonenzymatically isolated antropyloric glands from humans or rats, which are perifused in a Bio-Gel P-2 column. The system permits the study of kinetics and dose-response characteristics using the glands as their own control. The glands were stimulated with carbachol and bombesin, and the antral peptides gastrin and somatostatin were measured. Bombesin and carbachol both evoked a dose-dependent stimulation of gastrin release, beginning at below 10(-10) M (bombesin) and 10(-7) M (carbachol). Carbachol inhibited the release of somatostatin in a dose-dependent manner, being maximally effective at 10(-6) M and then producing 60% inhibition of somatostatin release. Bombesin was without effect on antropyloric somatostatin release. These data suggest that the gastrin-stimulating effect of carbachol is partially or totally due to inhibition of somatostatin release, whereas bombesinergic stimulation of gastrin release must work in an independent manner. In addition, data on the effects of these substances on the release of gastrin and ACTH-like peptides from human antropyloric glands are presented. Due to the absence of local neural reflexes, this system is a useful supplement to the isolated perfused stomach model.