Expression of gastrin in developing gastric adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND

A stepwise progression through premalignant stages has been identified for the intestinal type of gastric carcinoma. As gastrin has been identified as a growth factor for the intestinal type of gastric adenocarcinoma, the aim of this study was to investigate whether gastrin is expressed in premalignant gastric conditions.

METHODS

Ninety archival samples of atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, mild gastric epithelial dysplasia, moderate gastric epithelial dysplasia, severe gastric epithelial dysplasia and intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma were obtained. Immunocytochemistry was performed using antibodies directed against gastrin and its post-translational precursors, and the gastrin/cholecystokinin B receptor. Positive staining was identified using the avidin--biotin immunoperoxidase method and quantified using an image analysis system.

RESULTS

Gastrin and its receptor were shown to be expressed in specimens of atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, epithelial dysplasia and the intestinal type of gastric carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Gastrin seems to be an important growth factor in gastric carcinogenesis.