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R Håkanson

Publications and source records attributed to R Håkanson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Neuropeptides of the vasoactive intestinal peptide/helodermin/pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide family elevate plasma cAMP in mice: comparison with a range of other regulatory peptides.

A number of regulatory peptides were investigated for their ability to elevate plasma cAMP. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP)-27, PACAP-38, helodermin, helospectin I and II, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), glucagon, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide were among the peptides that were highly effective in raising plasma cAMP when given intravenously in equimolar doses to conscious mice. PACAP-27 and -38 were more effective than any of the other peptides. PACAP 16-38, secretin, gastrin-17, galanin, somatostatin, cholecystokinin-8s, pancreatic polypeptide, substance P, peptide YY and neuropeptide Y were inactive and also did not interfere with the PACAP-27-evoked rise in plasma cAMP levels. Repeated injections of PACAP-27 every 30 min caused a progressive reduction in the plasma cAMP response (measured 5 min after each injection). Forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, dose-dependently raised the plasma concentration of cAMP and displayed a synergistic effect when given in a low dose concurrently with PTH or PACAP-38. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram dose-dependently raised the plasma concentration of cAMP. Combined treatment with PACAP-27 and a threshold dose of rolipram resulted in an exaggerated plasma cAMP response. Kidney hilus ligation suppressed the responses to PACAP-38, PTH, helodermin, helospectin, VIP, glucagon and calcitonin. Hepatectomy suppressed the response to glucagon but was without effect on the response to the other peptides. Pancreatectomy and spleenectomy reduced the response to VIP, but was without effect on the response to the other peptides. PACAP-27 stimulated cAMP efflux from the isolated rat tail vein. Hence, it cannot be excluded that blood vessels contribute to the peptide evoked plasma cAMP response in vivo.

Animals

Vascular effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide: a comparison with vasoactive intestinal peptide.

The effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) on the blood pressure of the anesthetized rat and on the isolated rat tail artery were investigated and compared to those of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). PACAP-38, PACAP-27 and the C-terminal fragment 16-38 caused a dose-dependent decrease in the systemic blood pressure. PACAP-27 and PACAP-38 were equipotent with VIP. The C-terminal fragment 16-38 was much less potent than VIP. The duration of action was longer for equimolar doses of PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 than for VIP and much longer than for PACAP 16-38. PACAP-27 and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram given in combination produced additive vasodepressive responses. In vitro PACAP-38, PACAP-27, VIP and PACAP 16-38 relaxed the phenylephrine-precontracted rat tail artery. PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 were equipotent with VIP. PACAP 16-38 was much less potent than the full-length peptides. The responses were resistant to atropine and propranolol. Addition of VIP 1 microM to preparations exposed to 1 microM PACAP-38 or -27 did not produce a further relaxation. VIP-like peptides, PACAP in particular, are known to activate adenylate cyclase and to elevate the plasma cyclic AMP (cAMP) concentration. cAMP was found to be a potent vasodepressor in the anaesthetized rat and a potent vasodilator of precontracted blood vessels. On the basis of these results it cannot be excluded that the vascular effects of PACAP are secondary to the effect of elevated levels of extracellular cAMP.

Animals

Unlike VIP, the VIP-related peptides PACAP, helodermin and helospectin suppress electrically evoked contractions of rat vas deferens.

We have compared the effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and of the VIP-related peptides pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) 1-27 and 1-38, helodermin, helospectin I and helospectin II, on the electrically evoked twitches in the isolated vas deferens of the rat. While VIP was virtually without effect, PACAP 1-38 suppressed the electrically evoked twitches effectively and in a concentration-dependent manner (pIC50 value 7.5). The naturally occurring N-terminal fragment PACAP 1-27 was less effective than PACAP 1-38 (Imax values 37.2% suppression compared to 76.5%) and less potent. The C-terminal fragment PACAP 16-38 was virtually inactive. Also helodermin and helospectin I+II suppressed the electrically evoked twitches effectively and in a concentration-dependent manner (pIC50 values 6.9; 7.2; 6.8, respectively). The three peptides produced similar maximum reduction of the twitches (74-80%). The findings suggest that PACAP, helodermin and helospectin suppress the electrically evoked contractions in the rat vas deferens via receptors distinct from VIP receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence

The electrically evoked, tachykinin-mediated contractile response of the isolated rabbit iris sphincter muscle involves NK1 receptors only.

In the presence of atropine and guanethidine, the electrically evoked contractile response of the rabbit iris sphincter muscle is mediated by tachykinins. Two highly selective NK1 receptor antagonists, (+/-) CP-96,345 and spantide II, concentration dependently inhibited the contraction with pIC50 values of 5.4 and 6.1, respectively. A highly selective NK2 receptor antagonist, actinomycin D, was inactive, while another NK2 receptor antagonist of moderate selectivity, MEN 10,376, produced a slight inhibition of the contraction at high concentrations. Our results suggest that the electrically evoked, tachykinin-mediated contractile response of the rabbit iris sphincter muscle involves NK1 receptors only.

Animals

Effect of resiniferatoxin on the isolated rabbit iris sphincter muscle: comparison with capsaicin and bradykinin.

The effect of resiniferatoxin on the isolated iris sphincter muscle of the rabbit was compared with the effects of capsaicin and bradykinin. The three compounds all contracted the sphincter muscle in a concentration-dependent manner. The contractions were inhibited by spantide II, a tachykinin antagonist. The concentration-response curve of resiniferatoxin was biphasic, yielding two EC50 values, one about 10,000 times lower than the other, the latter value being similar to that for capsaicin. The responses to resiniferatoxin, capsaicin or bradykinin were progressively reduced upon repeated application. The contraction evoked by either of the three compounds was not affected by thiorphan (an enkephalinase inhibitor) or captopril (an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor). Pretreatment with capsaicin concentration dependently reduced the contractile response to a subsequent application of resiniferatoxin and vice versa. Bradykinin pretreatment reduced the resiniferatoxin response by about 50%; resiniferatoxin pretreatment completely abolished the response to bradykinin. Also, the contractile response to electrical stimulation was reduced concentration dependently by resiniferatoxin, capsaicin and bradykinin pretreatment. The response to electrical stimulation could be completely abolished by pretreatment with large doses of resiniferatoxin or capsaicin; pretreatment with large doses of bradykinin reduced the response by about 50%. Pretreatment with high concentrations of resiniferatoxin, or capsaicin, but not bradykinin, reduced the contractile response to the NK1 receptor agonist, [Sar9, Met(O2)11]SP (10(-8) M). The results suggest that the three compounds produce tachyphylaxis, mainly through partial (bradykinin) or complete (capsaicin, resiniferatoxin) exhaustion of the neuronal pool of releasable tachykinins although desensitization of tachykinin receptors may also contribute.

Animals

Ontogeny of histamine-immunoreactive cells in rat stomach.

An antiserum against hemocyanin-conjugated histamine was used to study the cellular stores of histamine in the stomach, especially the oxyntic mucosa, of fetal and early postnatal rats. Tissues were fixed in 4% 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC-DI) and standard immunofluorescence technique was used. Histamine was first detected on the 16th embryonic (E16) day when a few histamine-immunoreactive (HA-ir) cells and nerve fibers were observed in the muscular layer of the stomach wall. On day E18, HA-ir cells were visualized for the first time in the oxyntic mucosa of the stomach, and from that day on the number of such cells increased slowly initially and after day E20 more rapidly. At birth many of the HA-ir cells in the oxyntic mucosa possessed processes giving them a paracrine-like appearance typical of enterochromaffin-like cells (ECL cells). Only a very small number of the HA-ir cells represented metachromatically stained mast cells and were located in the submucosa. After birth, the number of HA-ir ECL cells increased steadily, until day 21 when the distribution and number was very similar to that of the adult. The results suggest that histamine-containing neurons and ECL cells appear in the stomach wall before birth, and that there are histamine-containing ECL cells in the mucosa and mast cells in the submucosa of the stomach wall at birth.

Animals

A novel neuropeptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), in human intestine: evidence for reduced content in Hirschsprung's disease.

A novel neuropeptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), exhibits sequence homology with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and occurs in the mammalian brain, lung and gut. The distribution of PACAP in ganglionic and aganglionic portions of the large intestine of patients with Hirschsprung's disease was examined by immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay. PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibers were distributed in all layers of the ganglionic and aganglionic segments of the intestine, although they were less numerous in the latter, and PACAP-immunoreactive nerve cell bodies were seen in the ganglionic portion of the intestine. The concentration of immunoreactive PACAP was lower in the aganglionic than in the ganglionic segment of the intestinal wall. PACAP and VIP were found to coexist in both ganglionic and aganglionic segments of the intestine. Apparently, PACAP participates in the regulation of gut motility. The scarcer PACAP innervation of the aganglionic segment may contribute to the defect in intestinal relaxation seen in patients with Hirschsprung's disease.

Ganglia

Enterochromaffin-like cells in the rat stomach: effect of alpha-fluoromethylhistidine-evoked histamine depletion. A chemical, histochemical and electron-microscopic study.

In the rat, gastric histamine is stored predominantly in the enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells, which are located basally in the oxyntic mucosa. The functional significance of histamine in the ECL cells is a matter of speculation. In this study the effect of depletion of histamine on the properties and ultrastructure of the ECL cells was examined. Histamine synthesis was inhibited with alpha-fluoromethylhistidine (3 mg.kg-1.h-1) given via osmotic minipumps over a period of 24 h. The treatment reduced the histidine decarboxylase activity (approximately 20% remaining) and histamine concentration (less than 20% remaining) in the oxyntic mucosa, as well as the intensity of histamine- and chromogranin A-immunostaining in the ECL cells, compared to control rats. The cytoplasmic (secretory) granules/vesicles were greatly reduced in number and size following alpha-fluoromethylhistidine administration. The histamine immunostaining of the mast cells, which occurs at the mucosal surface and in the submucosa, appeared unaffected. We conclude that ECL cell histamine accounts for at least 80% of the total oxyntic mucosal histamine in the rat and that it represents a more mobile pool than mast cell histamine. The reduction in the number and size of the ECL cell granules/vesicles following histamine depletion is in accord with the idea that they represent the storage site for histamine.

Animals

Hyperplasia of histamine-depleted enterochromaffinlike cells in rat stomach using omeprazole and alpha-fluoromethylhistidine.

In the rat, gastric histamine is stored mainly in the enterochromaffinlike cells. Gastrin releases histamine from these cells, and long-term hypergastrinemia results in hyperplasia. The effect of sustained hypergastrinemia on histamine-depleted enterochromaffinlike cells was studied by measuring histidine decarboxylase activity and histamine concentrations and by using quantitative histology. Hypergastrinemia maintained for 6 weeks was induced by inhibition of gastric acid secretion with omeprazole (400 mumol.kg-1.day-1) given orally, and histamine synthesis was inhibited for the same length of time with alpha-fluoromethylhistidine (3 mg.kg-1.h-1) given via osmotic minipumps. In rats given omeprazole alone, the effects of the resulting hypergastrinemia on the enterochromaffinlike cells was reflected in increased histidine decarboxylase activity, increased histamine concentration, and increased number of enterochromaffinlike cells. The general trophic effects on the stomach were seen as increased stomach and oxyntic mucosal weight and increased mucosal thickness. Treatment with alpha-fluoromethylhistidine plus omeprazole markedly reduced the histidine decarboxylase activity and histamine concentration, but the weight of the stomach and oxyntic mucosa, the enterochromaffinlike cell density, and intensity of histidine decarboxylase immunostaining were increased to at least the same extent as after omeprazole alone. These observations indicate that enterochromaffinlike cell histamine is not important for a full expression of gastrin-evoked trophic effects in the stomach.

Animals

Helospectin-like peptides in the gastrointestinal tract: immunocytochemical localization and immunochemical characterization.

Helospectins I and II are two non-amidated, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-like peptides, isolated from the salivary gland venom of the lizard Heloderma horridum. Helospectin I has 38 amino acid residues and differs from helospectin II in that it has an additional serine residue at the C-terminus. The study was based on an antiserum that recognizes both helospectins I and II (but recognizes VIP only poorly). Immunocytochemistry of the digestive tract revealed helospectin-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the muscle layers, submucosa and mucosa of mouse, rat, hamster, guinea-pig and man. Myenteric and submucous ganglia in all species contained helospectin-immunoreactive nerve fibers and cell bodies. The distribution of helospectin-like immunoreactivity in the gut resembled that of VIP. Double immunostaining for helospectin and VIP revealed their co-existence in the same population of nerve fibers and cell bodies throughout the gut of all species tested. In addition, helospectin (but not VIP) immunoreactivity was observed in a population of endocrine cells in the intestines. The existence of helospectin-like material in the gut was confirmed by immunochemistry. The helospectin-like immunoreactivity in the extracts diluted in parallel to the helospectin standard curve. Analysis by high performance liquid chromatography of extracts of rat intestine revealed one predominant helospectin-immunoreactive peak that eluted close to authentic helospectins I and II. The helospectin-immunoreactive material in the gut may constitute a novel neuropeptide that co-exists with VIP. The distribution of the VIP-helospectin-immunoreactive neurons and fibers indicates their possible involvement in the regulation of gut motor and secretory activities.

Animals

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide: a novel vasoactive intestinal peptide-like neuropeptide in the gut.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) is a vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-like hypothalamic peptide occurring in two forms, PACAP-27 and the C-terminally extended PACAP-38. The predicted rat and human PACAP sequence is identical to the isolated ovine one. In the present study, the occurrence and distribution of PACAP-like peptides were examined in the gut of several species by immunocytochemistry and immunochemistry using an antibody raised against PACAP-27. PACAP-like immunoreactivity was observed in nerve fibers in the gut wall of all species examined (chicken, mouse, rat, hamster, guinea-pig, ferret, cat, pig, sheep and man). In the chicken and human gut, immunoreactive fibers were numerous in all layers. In the other species examined the fibers were predominantly found in the myenteric ganglia and smooth muscle. Delicate PACAP-immunoreactive fibers were seen in the gastric mucosa of mouse, rat, hamster and man but not in the other species examined. The chicken proventriculus harbored numerous PACAP-immunoreactive endocrine cells which were identical with the serotonin-containing cells storing gastrin-releasing peptide. PACAP-immunoreactive nerve cell bodies were numerous in the submucous ganglia and moderate in number in the myenteric ganglia of the human gut. They were few in the intramural ganglia of the other species examined. Extrinsic denervation (performed on segments of rat and guinea-pig small intestine) did not visibly affect the PACAP innervation, indicating an intramural origin of most PACAP-immunoreactive fibers. Double immunostaining for VIP and PACAP revealed co-existence of the two peptides in nerve cell bodies and nerve fibers of the human and chicken gut and in fibers in the gastric mucosa of mouse and rat. In all other species examined and in all other locations in the gut PACAP-immunoreactive nerve cell bodies and nerve fibers were distinct from those storing VIP; many of them contained gastrin-releasing peptide instead. Immunochemistry revealed PACAP-like peptides in gut extracts of all species studied; upon high performance liquid chromatography the immunoreactive material co-eluted with synthetic PACAP-27. The distribution of PACAP-immunoreactive nerve cell bodies and nerve fibers in the gut wall suggests their involvement in the regulation of both motor and secretory activities.

Amino Acid Sequence

Helodermin- and helospectin-like immunoreactivities in the rat brain: an immunochemical and immunohistochemical study.

Helodermin is an amidated peptide of 35 amino acid residues isolated from the lizard Heloderma suspectum. Homologous peptides, helospectins I and II, peptides of 38 and 37 amino acid residues, respectively, have been isolated from the lizard Heloderma horridum. This group of peptides stimulates the adenylate cyclase activity. Helodermin- and helospectin-like immunoreactivities were studied in the rat brain by using immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography. The highest concentrations of helodermin-like immunoreactivity were found in the cerebellum and hypothalamus. The chromatographic analysis of rat brain extract revealed one main immunoreactive peak with elution properties similar to those of authentic lizard helodermin. Helodermin-immunoreactive neurons were located in the supraoptic nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, periventricular nucleus, arcuate nucleus and central gray. Fibers and terminals of varying densities were observed in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial part of the central nucleus of amygdala, external layer of the median eminence, thalamus and central gray. The highest concentrations of helospectin-like immunoreactivity were found in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and medulla. The chromatographic analysis of brain extract revealed one major peak with elution properties similar to those of authentic helospectin I. Helospectin-immunoreactive neurons were located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, central gray, cerebral cortex, dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus and supramammillary nucleus. Helospectin-immunoreactive fibers and terminals were found in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial part of the central nucleus of amygdala, median eminence, lateral parabrachial nucleus, central gray, cerebral cortex, thalamus and nucleus of the solitary tract. The present study has revealed novel neuronal systems in the rat brain by using antisera against the lizard peptides helodermin and helospectin. The patterns of immunostaining suggest a role for the helodermin- and helospectin-like peptides in the hypothalamo-hypophyseal control of endocrine functions.

Animals

Effects of capsaicin, bradykinin and prostaglandin E2 in the human skin.

The actions and interactions of putative mediators of inflammation, such as substance P (SP), histamine, bradykinin and prostaglandins (PGE2) were studied in human skin. In addition, the effects of capsaicin were examined as it is known to release (and to deplete) SP and calcitonin gene-related peptide from C-fibres. The flare evoked by bradykinin was abolished by pretreatment with lignocaine (local anesthetic), compound 48/80 (mast-cell histamine liberator), mepyramine (H1-receptor antagonist) and indomethacin (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor) but was unaffected by atropine and ketanserin (serotonin antagonist). The weal response was not reduced by any of the drugs. The flare evoked by capsaicin was abolished by lignocaine and indomethacin but was unaffected by compound 48/80, mepyramine, atropine and ketanserin. The weal response was reduced by indomethacin. The flare response to bradykinin seems to reflect the activation of C-fibres and associated mast cells, while the flare response to capsaicin seems to reflect the activation of C-fibres only. Repeated injections of capsaicin and bradykinin produced tachyphylaxis (and cross-tachyphylaxis) and greatly reduced the SP-evoked flare. Capsaicin produced tachyphylaxis also after treatment of the skin with a local anaesthetic, suggesting that it develops independently of C-fibre impulse flow. The tachyphylaxis produced by bradykinin and capsaicin seems to reflect the depletion of messenger peptides from the C-fibres. The flare response to SP following capsaicin- or bradykinin-induced desensitization gradually returned to normal after 5-8 weeks. The erythema evoked by PGE2 was reduced by 30% following pretreatment with lignocaine, mepyramine or compound 48/80.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Characterization of vascular neuropeptide Y receptors.

1. In the present study we compared neuropeptide Y (NPY) and NPY-related analogues for their ability to activate or bind to vascular NPY receptors in four experimental set-ups. Previous results have suggested the existence of different receptor subtypes, Y1 receptors requiring full-length NPY (1-36) or [Pro34]-NPY, and Y2 receptors recognizing also N-terminally truncated forms of NPY but not [Pro34]-NPY. 2. NPY 1-36 and [Pro34]-NPY dose-dependently increased arterial pressure in the anaesthetized rat with a similar magnitude and potency. NPY 2-36 was much less potent than NPY 1-36. NPY 4-36 and NPY 11-36 were inactive even at a dose as high as 10 nmol kg-1. 3. NPY 1-36, [Pro34]-NPY, NPY 2-36 and NPY 5-36 concentration-dependently increased the coronary resistance in the Langendorff preparation of the rat. NPY 1-36 and [Pro34]-NPY were equipotent, while NPY 2-36 and NPY 5-36 were about 7 and 20 times less potent. At 0.3 microM, NPY 11-36, NPY 20-36 and NPY 22-36 induced a slight contraction while NPY 23-36 was inactive. 4. NPY 1-36, [Pro34]-NPY, NPY 2-36, NPY 4-36, NPY 5-36 and NPY 11-36 evoked concentration-dependent contractions in the isolated inferior caval vein of the rat and guinea-pig. [Pro34]-NPY was more potent than NPY 1-36. NPY 2-36 was equipotent with NPY 1-36, while NPY 4-36, NPY 5-36 and NPY 11-36 were approximately 30 times less potent.5. [Pro34]-NPY was equipotent with NPY 1-36 in displacing the '25I-labelled gut hormone peptide([1251]-PYY) from rat aortic smooth muscle cells, while NPY 2-36 and shorter forms of NPY were much less potent or inactive.6. In caval vein smooth muscle cells of the rat, the displacement pattern was more complex than in aortic smooth muscle cells, in that both [Pro34]-NPY and NPY 13-36 effectively displaced the radioligand,albeit none of them completely.7. In conclusion, the NPY-evoked pressor response in the whole rat and coronary vessels seems to be mediated by vascular Y1 receptors and the binding characteristics of the NPY-related peptides in the aortic smooth muscle cells correspond to a population of such receptors. In the caval vein, the profile of the bioactivity and the binding affinity of the NPY-related peptides suggest a mixed population of Y1/Y2 receptors.

Animals

(+/-)-CP-96,345, a selective tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, has non-specific actions on neurotransmission.

1. The non-specific effects of the non-peptide tachykinin receptor antagonist (+/-)-CP-96,345, were assessed in several smooth muscle-nerve preparations. The preparations were the iris sphincter muscle of the rabbit and the taenia coli, vas deferens and seminal vesicle of the guinea-pig. 2. (+/-)-CP-96,345 concentration-dependently inhibited the electrically evoked, tachykinin-mediated contractile responses of the iris sphincter and the taenia coli. The pIC50 values were 5.4 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- s.e.mean) and 5.7 +/- 0.08 respectively. 3. (+/-)-CP-96,345 also inhibited non-tachykinin-mediated contractile responses to electrical stimulation of the iris sphincter, taenia coli, vas deferens and seminal vesicle. The pIC50 values were 4.3 +/- 0.02, 4.8 +/- 0.03, 4.7 +/- 0.02 and 4.4 +/- 0.05 respectively. These values differ significantly from the pIC50 values of the inhibition of the tachykinin-mediated response in the iris sphincter and taenia coli. 4. (+/-)-CP-96,345 was without effect on carbachol- and noradrenaline-evoked contractions of the iris sphincter but inhibited carbachol- and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha)-evoked contractions of the taenia coli. 5. We suggest that (+/-)-CP-96,345, apart from its NK1 receptor blocking activity, induces non-specific suppression of neurotransmission, exerted at both pre- and post-junctional sites.

Animals

Lansoprazole and omeprazole have similar effects on plasma gastrin levels, enterochromaffin-like cells, gastrin cells and somatostatin cells in the rat stomach.

This study compares the effects of lansoprazole and omeprazole on the activation and proliferation of enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells in the rat stomach. Lansoprazole was given orally once daily for 10 weeks in two doses, 135 and 200 mumol/kg. Omeprazole was given by the same regimen in a dose of 400 mumol/kg, which is equipotent in terms of acid inhibition to the higher lansoprazole dose. Lansoprazole (both doses) as well as omeprazole raised the plasma gastrin levels about 11-fold 2 h after dosing and 8-to 10-fold 24 h after dosing, reflecting complete (2 h) and 70-80% (24 h) reductions of gastric acid secretion. Administration of either drug for 10 weeks increased the weight of the stomach and the oxyntic mucosa. The oxyntic mucosal histidine decarboxylase activity, histamine concentration and ECL cell density were increased to the same extent in the rats given either of the two lansoprazole doses or omeprazole. The numbers of antral gastrin cells were doubled and the numbers of antral somatostatin cells half that in the controls. These results show that long-standing lansoprazole-evoked hypergastrinemia affects the ECL cell similarly to omeprazole, ranitidine and other acid secretion inhibitors.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles

Antrectomy does not accelerate reversal of omeprazole-induced trophic effects in the rat stomach.

The oxyntic mucosa in the rat stomach is under the influence of circulating gastrin. The histamine-producing enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells constitute the major endocrine cell population in the oxyntic mucosa. They are notably sensitive to changes in the serum gastrin concentration and respond to long-term hypergastrinemia with hyperplasia, whereas hypogastrinemia induces hypoplasia. In the present study long-term, sustained hypergastrinemia was induced by daily treatment with a high dose of the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole. After 10 weeks omeprazole-treated and control rats were antrectomized, resulting in prompt hypogastrinemia. Antrectomy was followed by a rapid reduction of the thickness of the oxyntic mucosa and a somewhat slower reduction of the ECL cell number in both omeprazole-treated and control rats. The percentage decrease in the ECL cell number with time was similar in both groups; after 2-3 weeks the ECL cell number was half of that before antrectomy in both groups. Interestingly, however, 12 weeks after antrectomy the ECL cell number in the omeprazole-pretreated rats remained elevated compared with untreated rats. The histamine concentration of the oxyntic mucosa was markedly lowered within a week after antrectomy in both omeprazole-treated and control rats. Although antrectomy induces hypogastrinemia and although atrophy develops rapidly in the oxyntic mucosa, the omeprazole-induced ECL cell hyperplasia was not completely reversed by antrectomy during the 12 weeks of examination.

Animals

Somatostatin cells in the oxyntic mucosa of hypo- or hypergastrinemic rats.

The present report describes the long-term effects of antrectomy, antrum exclusion, portacaval shunt, omeprazole treatment, or the combination of omeprazole treatment and portacaval shunt on the number and density of somatostatin cells in the oxyntic mucosa of the rat. Antrectomy, which is associated with hypogastrinemia, raised the number and density of the somatostatin cells, whereas antrum exclusion and omeprazole treatment, which are associated with hypergastrinemia, reduced the number and density of the somatostatin cells. Portacaval shunt, which is associated with hypogastrinemia, increased both the number and the density. Omeprazole treatment of portacaval--shunted rats suppressed or even reversed the somatostatin cell hyperplasia after portacaval shunt alone. From these findings it is unlikely that gastrin stimulates the proliferation of somatostatin cells in the oxyntic mucosa. In fact, there seems to be an inverse relationship between the serum gastrin concentration and the somatostatin cell number.

Animals