Expression of somatostatin mRNA in various differentiated types of gastric carcinoma

Abstract

AIM To investigate the expression of somatostatin mRNA in various differentiated types of gastric carcinoma. METHODS By using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical techniques, the expression of somatostatin mRNA and somatostatin immunoreactivity in the normal gastric mucosa, the poorly, moderately and well-differentiated gastric carcinomas, and various clinical stages of carcinoma were observed. RESULTS In comparison with the normal gastric mucosa, the significantly increased expression of somatostatin mRNA positive cells was displayed in gastric carcinoma ( t = 2.681, P < 0.01). The positive signal cells were distributed in a scattered form or aggregated as a mass or a cord, and the positive cells were more significantly enhanced in poorly differentiated carcinomas than those in well and moderately differentiated carcinomas (t = 2.962, P< 0.01). The somatostatin mRNA hybridization signals in stages III and IV of gastric carcinoma were significantly higher than those in stages I and II. The results of somatostatin immunoreactivity were consistent with those of in situhybridization. CONCLUSION The alteration of the expression of somatostatin mRNA was associated with the development of gastric carcinoma and may play an important role in the process of tumor differentiation.

G and D cells in rat antral mucosa: An immunoelectron microscopic study

“…As shown in some investigations, endogenous histamine inhibited the secretion of somatostatin via paracrine effect on H 3 receptor. Others showed that endothelins inhibited the secretion of somatostatin via endothelin receptors [18][19][20][21][22][23] . In histocyte, there are often different granules that are important symbols of classification.…”