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Gastric carcinoid expresses the gastrin autocrine pathway
A M Smith1, S A Watson, M Caplin
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|September 30, 1998
Summary
Gastric carcinoid tumors activate the gastrin pathway, similar to gastric adenocarcinoma. This suggests antigastrin therapies could be effective treatments for carcinoid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Gastrin autocrine-paracrine pathway is activated in gastric adenocarcinoma.
- Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells share a stem origin with gastric epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the presence of the gastrin autocrine pathway in gastric carcinoid.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry was used to analyze gastrin precursors and gastrin/cholecystokinin B receptor expression.
- Samples from ten gastric carcinoid patients were assessed.
Main Results:
- High expression of gastrin precursor and mature peptides was observed.
- Gastrin receptor expression was detected in all screened carcinoids.
Conclusions:
- Gastrin gene activation occurs in ECL cells during gastric carcinoid development.
- This activation may explain tumor persistence after gastrin-lowering surgery.
- Antigastrin agents show potential as a therapeutic strategy for carcinoid tumors.