Cellular expression of the neurokinin 1 receptor in the human antrum

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.