LOCARIZATION OF HISTAMINE IMMUNOREACTIVE CELLS IN THE HUMAN GASTRIC MUCOSA

Abstract

Localization of histamine in human gastric mucosa was examined by immunocytohistochemical methods. Antiserum against histamine was raised in rabbits which had been immunized with a histamine-thyroglobulin conjugate, reacted only with mast cells as measured immunocytochemically. Specificity against histamine was also confirmed by an immunoblotting. The specific immunoreaction was not abolished where antiserum was preabsorbed with histidine and serotonin, indicating that there was no cross-reactivity among them. Immunohystochemical analysis of the anti-serum to human gastric mucosa demonstrated that the chief cells were the major histamine-containing cells of the glandular stomach in contrast to minor populations of EC-like cells and mast cells of the fundic gland. By means of immunoelectron microscopy, the secretory granules in chief cells were shown to be the histamine-storing sites. Thus, it is suggested that the co-ordination between chief and parietal cells could be mediated by local release of histamine, this regulating the release of hydrochloric acid.