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Numerous cell targets for gastrin in the guinea pig stomach revealed by gastrin/CCKB receptor localization
N I Tarasova1, V I Romanov, P P Da Silva
1Molecular Aspects of Drug Design Section, ABL-Basic Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center, P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
Abstract:
The localization of the gastrin/CCKB receptor (GR) has recently become a subject of debate, especially since the publication of evidence for its presence in an unsuspected location, namely in the lamina propria, the submucosal layer of the stomach lining. Knowledge of the receptor localization is important because of the critical role of gastrin secretion and its trophic effects on the gastric epithelium. The present study, which utilizes immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy as primary tools, provides unequivocal data concerning the localization of GR in the guinea pig stomach. GR is expressed in parietal cells, on chief cells, and in previously unreported endocrine cells of the stomach. It is not found in the lamina propria. The predominant localization of the receptor in the endocrine cells is on the membranes of cytoplasmic electron-dense secretory granules. The positioning of these cells in the gastric glands suggests that they may be involved in the uptake of gastrin from the circulation. The distribution of GR implies that it may be involved in the regulation of various processes and may mediate various effects of gastrin in the stomach.