The localization of the neurokinin 1 receptor in rat and guinea pig gastroi
ntestinal tract has been extensively studied but not in human tissues. The
present study used antibodies to characterize the cellular expression of ne
urokinin 1 receptors in human antrum. Cryostat sections (40-80 mu m) were i
mmunostained for the neurokinin 1 receptor double labeled with substance P,
von Willebrand's factor, c-kit, fibronectin, S-100, serotonin, gastrin and
somatostatin. Neurokinin 1 receptor-immunoreactivity was observed on neuro
ns within the myenteric and submucosal plexuses surrounded by substance P-i
mmunoreactive fibers and on von Willebrand's factor-immunoreactive endothel
ial cells lining blood vessels throughout the antral wall. c-Kit-immunoreac
tive interstitial cells of Cajal and gastrin cells were co-stained by the m
onoclonal neurokinin 1 receptor antibody. Finally, there was no evidence fo
r the presence of the neurokinin 1 receptor on fibroblasts, Schwann, somato
statin, serotonin or smooth muscle cells. This study clearly demonstrates a
n expanded cellular expression of the neurokinin 1 receptor in the human an
trum. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.