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Subcellular distribution of peptides associated with gastric mucosal healing and neoplasia
Author(s) -
Sarraf Catherine E.,
Alison Malcolm R.,
Ansari Tareq W.,
Wright Nicholas A.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.1070310307
Subject(s) - tgf alpha , epidermal growth factor , biology , epidermal growth factor receptor , microbiology and biotechnology , mucus , receptor , transforming growth factor , growth factor , cancer research , biochemistry , ecology
The trefoil peptides pS2 and human spasmolytic peptide are putative growth factors, particularly associated with mucus‐producing cells of the gastrointestinal tract including those of the stomach. The receptor for transforming growth factor alpha (TGF α) takes its name from one of its alternative ligands, epidermal growth factor and is called the epidermal growth factor receptor. Although there is immunoreactive epidermal growth factor in the stomach, it is TGF α and the epidermal growth factor receptor that are abundant. Immunolabelling at electron microscope level allows for subcellular localisation of antigens; pS2 and human spasmolytic peptide co‐localise to cytomembranes, including the Golgi apparatus, and thecae of surface/pit mucous cells. TGF α is abundant on the membranes of tubulovesicles of parietal cells and is also present in chief cells: in mucous producing cells it can be detected but not in association with mucous. The distribution of the epidermal growth factor receptor mimics that of TGF α but with preferential clustering on the basolateral membranes of gastric cells. The trefoil peptides are associated with healing and probably act, together with mucus, to protect the gastric mucosa and maintain a viable environment. TGF α, transduced via the epidermal growth factor receptor, inhibits gastric acid secretion, thus aids the trefoils in the maintenance of a gastric microenvironment conducive to healing after damage. TGF α, however, is also a potent mitogen; while this property plays a vital part in repairing mucosal defects, if this peptide or indeed its receptor are overexpressed, the result can be neoplasia. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.