G-Cell Counts in Antral Endoscopic Biopsies by Immunofluorescence

Abstract

Antral gastrin-producing cell (G cells) were counted by an immunofluorescence technique in antral biopsies obtained at endoscopy from 67 subjects; they included patients with duodenal ulcer, gastritis and individuals with a normal gastric mucosa. The G-cell count was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in patients with duodenal ulcer (142 G cells/mm2) in comparison to normal subjects (327 G cells/mm2). No statistically significant correlation was found between G-cell number and any other parameters tested (pentagastrin test, basal serum gastrin and its response to a standard meal).