[Hyperplasia of antral "G" cells. Quantitative evaluation in endoscopic biopsies].

The number of gastrin cells (G cells) and somatostatin cells (D cells) per surface unit, and the G/D cell ratio were estimated in biopsy specimens of the antrum from normal subjects without hypergastrinemia, and from patients with hypergastrinemia not induced by gastrinoma or supra selective vagotomy. Compared with normal subjects, antral G cell density and G/D cell ratio were significantly increased in patients with hypergastrinemia. A significant correlation was found between G cell density or G/D cell ratio and the integrated gastrin output values. A quantitative estimation appears therefore possible in biopsy specimens.