Analysis of gastrin receptor gene expression in proliferating cells in theneck zone of gastric fundic glands using laser capture microdissection

Gastrin stimulates proliferation of progenitor cells in the neck zone of ga stric fundic mucosa. However, whether it directly enhances this proliferati on through its receptors remains unclear. We investigated the expression of gastrin receptors in neck zone proliferating cells in rat gastric fundic g lands using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) coup led with laser capture microdissection and in situ RT-FCR. Gastrin receptor expression was identified in c-fos-expressing cells located in the neck zo ne, and results of the RT-PCR analysis argued against contamination by othe r cells, such as enterochromaffin-like, parietal or D cells. Supporting thi s finding, gastrin receptor gene expression was identified in the neck zone as well as base glands by in situ RT-PCR, Therefore, it is suggested that proliferating cells in the neck zone are stimulated directly by gastrin via their gastrin receptors. (C) 2001 Federation of European Biochemical Socie ties. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.