Rapid expression and specific localization of tenascin in gastric ulcer healing in rats

This study was done to investigate the gene expression and localization of tenascin in ulcerated gastric tissues during the healing process with Northern blot analysis and immunohistochemical technique. Gastric ulcers in rats were produced by acetic acid. Tenascin mRNA levels in the ulcerated tissue were significantly increased in a biphasic manner (12 h and day 5), preceding the increase in collagen type IV and laminin mRNA levels, and returned to control levels on day 11. In intact tissues, tenascin was mainly localized in the basement membrane above the proliferative zone, in contrast to the predominant localization of collagen type IV and laminin below the proliferative zone. On the ulcer margin from 12 h to day 5, tenascin was abundantly observed in the lamina propria around nonproliferating new epithelial cells, but collagen type IV and laminin were not seen in this lamina propria. On day 7, tenascin, expressed in the lamina propria, was replaced by collagen type IV and laminin. Thus, the rapid expression and unique localization of tenascin suggest the important role of tenascin in gastric ulcer healing.