Morphological and immunohistochemical examinations of the dynamic changes of gastric mucosa associated with the treatment of helicobacter pylori infection in children.

The aim of this study was to investigate the consequence of Helicobacter pylori eradication on gastric mucosa and antral G and D-cells. Forty children, aged 5-17 years with Helicobacter pylori infection were assessed. Helicobacter pylori was detected by a urease test and identified by serological and microbiological methods. Twenty children were again assessed after the therapy (the combination of colloid bismuth subcitrate, amoxycillin and metronidazole). Gastroscopic examination was performed and at least six bioptic specimens were taken from the antrum, body and fundus. Tissue samples, processed with the paraffin method and stained with hematoxyllin and eosin, were assessed. Monoclonal antiserum Gastrin PAP kit 516 and somatostatin PAP kit 512 (DAKO) in the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique (PAP) have been used to detect G and D-cells. Helicobacter pylori in the gastric mucosa was demonstrated with the Giemsa method. The results show the coincidence of Helicobacter pylori infection and the count of antral G and D-cells and active chronic gastritis in children. After the treatment Helicobacter pylori was eradicated in 70% of children. In 34% of these cases the eradication was followed by a diminution of activity of gastric antral mucosa inflammation and in 20% of these children the resolution of the inflammatory infiltration in the gastric mucosa was seen. A decrease of the antral G and D-cells count and also a diminution of G/D index in these cases were observed.