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Peptides bind to eosinophils in the rat stomach
D H Nichols1, S Lovas, T E Adrian
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 68178, USA.
The Anatomical Record
|March 7, 1998
Summary
Eosinophils in the stomach bind to specific peptide hormones, including gastrin. This suggests eosinophils may play a role in regulating these hormones
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Eosinophils are known for their immunological functions.
- Their roles in the physiological functions of populated organs are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential physiological roles of eosinophils in the rat stomach.
- To identify specific peptide hormone binding sites on stomach eosinophils.
Main Methods:
- Rat stomach sections were incubated with biotinylated peptide hormones: gastrin (bG17), gastrin-releasing peptide (bGRP), neuromedin C (bNC), vasoactive intestinal peptide (bVIP), and substance P (bSP).
- Binding sites were visualized using an avidin-biotin-glucose oxidase complex and stained with tetranitroblue tetrazolium.
- Eosinophils were identified using light and transmission electron microscopy, and Luna stain.
Main Results:
- Biotinylated gastrin (bG17), bGRP, and bNC bound to cells in the lamina propria and submucosa of rat stomach sections.
- These binding cells were identified as eosinophils, with staining localized to cytoplasmic granules.
- Binding was specific and not due to non-specific electrostatic interactions; gastrin receptors were ruled out.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophils in the rat stomach bind to specific peptide hormones like gastrin.
- The particulate nature of the binding site suggests a secretory substance within eosinophils.
- Eosinophils may utilize this substance to modulate extracellular peptide hormone activity.