Summary
Rat tissues were examined for gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)-like immunoreactivity, using carboxyterminus-specific antibody made against GRP (19–27), which is thought to be the biologically active site and to be common among species. The distribution of GRP-like immunoreactivity in the rat was similar to that of bombesin-like immunoreactivity. Sephadex G 50 chromatography revealed two peaks of GRP-like reactivity in the rat stomach.
Immunohistochemical studies using the antiserum to GRP (19–27) revealed numerous nerve fibers in the mucosa of the rat stomach. In the antral mucosa, GRP-containing nerves were present mainly around the base of the antral glands. Some GRP-containing nerves were in contact with gastrin-containing cells and somatostatin-containing cells. GRP-containing nerve fibers were numerous in the middle portion of the oxyntic gland, where somatostatin-containing cells were also detected. None of the endocrine cells stained positively with anti-GRP serum. These results support the hypothesis that GRP is a neurotransmitter in the stomach and that the peptide plays a physiological role in the gastrointestinal tract.
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This study was supported in part by grant in aid for scientific research from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (No. 59570300). We thank Mr. D. Mrozek for critical reading of the manuscript We also thank Miss N. Shimizu for her assistance during these studies.
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Takagi, A., Moriga, M., Uchino, H. et al. Distribution of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)-like immunoreactivity in the rat. Gastroenterol Jpn 22, 142–148 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02774210
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02774210