Regulation of mucus secretion by cells isolated from the rat gastric mucosa

Secretin regulates paracellular permeability in canine gastric monolayers by a Src kinase-dependent pathway

Previous studies found that epidermal growth factor (EGF) decreased paracellular permeability in gastric mucosa, but the other physiological regulators and the molecular mechanisms mediating these responses remain undefined. We investigated the role of secretin and Src in regulating paracellular permeability because secretin regulates gastric chief cell function and Src mediates events involving the cytoskeletal-membrane interface, respectively. Confluent monolayers were formed from canine gastric epithelial cells in short-term culture on Transwell filter inserts. Resistance was monitored in the presence of secretin with or without specific kinase inhibitors. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Src at Tyr(416) was measured with a site-specific phosphotyrosine antibody. Basolateral, but not apical, secretin at concentrations from 1 to 100 nM dose dependently increased resistance; this response was rapid and sustained over hours. PP2 (10 microM), a selective Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor, but not the inactive isomer PP3, abolished the increase in resistance by secretin but only modestly attenuated apical EGF effects. AG-1478 (100 nM), a specific EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, attenuated the resistance increase to EGF but not secretin. Secretin, but not EGF, induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Src at Tyr(416) in a dose-dependent fashion, with the maximal response observed at 1 min. PP2, but not PP3, dramatically inhibited this tyrosine phosphorylation. Secretin increases paracellular resistance in gastric mucosa through a Src-mediated pathway, while the effect of EGF is Src independent. Src appears to mediate the physiological effects of this G(s)-coupled receptor in primary epithelial cells.

cAMP modulation of Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis in ACh-stimulated antral mucous cells of guinea pig

Effects of cAMP accumulation on ATP-dependent priming and Ca(2+)-dependent fusion in Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis were examined in antral mucous cells of guinea pigs by using video-enhanced contrast microscopy. The Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis activated by 1 microM ACh consisted of two phases, an initial transient phase followed by a sustained phase, which were potentiated by cAMP accumulation. Depletion of ATP by 100 microM dinitrophenol (uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation) or anoxia induced the sustained phase without the initial transient phase in Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis. However, accumulation of cAMP before depletion of ATP induced and potentiated an initial transient phase followed by a sustained phase in Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis. This suggests that the initial transient phase of Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis is induced by fusion of all primed granules maintained by ATP and that accumulation of cAMP accelerates ATP-dependent priming of the exocytotic cycle. Moreover, ACh and Ca(2+) dose-response studies showed that accumulation of cAMP shifted the dose-response curves to the low concentration side, suggesting that it increases Ca(2+) sensitivity in the fusion of the exocytotic cycle. In conclusion, cAMP accumulation increases the number of primed granules and Ca(2+) sensitivity of the fusion, which potentiates Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis in antral mucous cells.

Mechanisms of gastric mucus secretion from cultured rat gastric epithelial cells induced by carbachol, cholecystokinin octapeptide, secretin, and prostaglandin E2

The effects of carbachol, cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), secretin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and second mediator-like substances (A23187, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and dibutyryl cAMP) on mucus secretion from cultured gastric epithelial cells were investigated. Gastric mucus was measured by an enzyme-linked lectin assay with soybean agglutinin and wheat germ agglutinin. Intracellular cAMP and Ca2+ were measured with a cAMP assay kit and an image analysis system using fura-2-loaded cells, respectively. Secreted mucus induced by any combination of receptor agonists was almost equal to the summation of each stimulated mucus secretion. On the other hand, combined stimulation with second mediator-like substances secreted mucus synergistically. These results suggest the existence of interactions among receptors for mucus secretion. Based on these results, the secretagogue induced intracellular cAMP and free calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels were measured in cultured gastric epithelial cells incubated with secretagogues. Secretin and PGE2 induced cAMP accumulation, and carbachol and CCK-8 induced a [Ca2+]i increase. To confirm these results, the effects of protein kinase A and C inhibitors and intracellular calcium chelator on mucus secretion were investigated. An intracellular calcium chelator inhibited the mucus secretion induced not only by carbachol and CCK-8 but also by secretin and PGE2. These results suggest that the [Ca2+]i plays an important role in mucus secretion through cAMP accumulation.

Ca(2+) signaling in porcine duodenal glands by muscarinic receptor activation

The duodenal glands have been thought to play an important role in defense against proximal duodenal ulcer; however, the secretory mechanisms of these glands remain to be determined. In isolated duodenal acinar cells of the pig, we investigated the effects of ACh on intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and on membrane currents with fura 2 fluorometry and the patch clamp technique. ACh caused a transient increase in [Ca(2+)](i), and the increase was markedly inhibited by atropine or 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide but not by hexamethonium, pirenzepine, or methoctramine. The expression of mRNA for the M(3) subtype far exceeded that for either M(1) or M(2) as revealed by real-time quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization. The rise in [Ca(2+)](i) evoked by ACh was largely inhibited by thapsigargin but slightly affected by extracellular Ca(2+) deprivation. Caffeine had no effect on [Ca(2+)](i). ACh elicited Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) currents, a finding similar to the response to inositol 1,4,5,-trisphosphate applied intracellularly. These results suggest the presence of M(3) receptors linked to Ca(2+) release in porcine duodenal glands.

A natural flavonoid and synthetic analogues protect the gastric mucosa from aspirin-induced erosions

The anti-ulcerogenic properties of plantain banana have been well established even though the active ingredient has only recently been identified as the flavonoid leucocyanidin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the natural flavonoid leucocyanidin and synthetic analogues to protect the gastric mucosa against aspirin challenge. Natural and synthetic flavonoids were added to the diet of rats, and their anti-ulcerogenic potential evaluated using a prophylactic animal model. Leucocyanidin and its synthetic hydroxyethylated and tetrallyl derivatives were found to protect the gastric mucosa from aspirin-induced erosions. Leucocyanidin and its hydroxyethylated and tetraallyl derivatives significantly increased mucus thickness. Whilst the mechanism by which the natural and synthetic flavonoids protect the gastric mucosa remains to be fully elucidated, it may, as indicated in this study, involve an increase in mucus thickness.

Different actions of secretin and Gly-extended secretin predict secretin receptor subtypes

Only one secretin receptor has been cloned and its properties characterized in native and transfected cells. To test the hypothesis that stimulatory and inhibitory effects of secretin are mediated by different secretin receptor subtypes, pancreatic and gastric secretory responses to secretin and secretin-Gly were determined in rats. Pancreatic fluid secretion was increased equipotently by secretin and secretin-Gly, but secretin was markedly more potent for inhibition of basal and gastrin-induced acid secretion. In Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the rat secretin receptor, secretin and secretin-Gly equipotently displaced (125)I-labeled secretin (IC(50) values 5.3 +/- 0.5 and 6.4 +/- 0.6 nM, respectively). Secretin, but not secretin-Gly, caused release of somatostatin from rat gastric mucosal D cells. Thus the equipotent actions of secretin and secretin-Gly on pancreatic secretion appear to result from equal binding and activation of the pancreatic secretin receptor. Conversely, secretin more potently inhibited gastric acid secretion in vivo, and only secretin released somatostatin from D cells in vitro. These results support the existence of a secretin receptor subtype mediating inhibition of gastric acid secretion that is distinct from the previously characterized pancreatic secretin receptor.

Innervation of the gastric mucosa

A plethora of neuronal messengers ("classical" transmitters, gaseous messengers, amino acid transmitters, and neuropeptides) are capable of mediating or modulating gastric functions. Accordingly, the stomach is richly innervated. Gastric nerves are either intrinsic to the gastric wall, i.e., they have their cell bodies in the intramural ganglia and thus belong to the enteric nervous system, or they reach the stomach from outside, originating in the brainstem, in sympathetic ganglia, or in sensory ganglia. Topographically, the nerve fibers in the stomach reach all layers from the most superficial portions of the gastric glands to the outer smooth muscle layer. This wide distribution implies that virtually all different cell types may be reached by neuronal messengers. Within the gastric mucosa endocrine and paracrine cells (e.g., gastrin cells, ECL cells, somatostatin cells), exocrine cells (parietal cells, chief cells, mucous cells), smooth muscle cells, and stromal cells are regulated by neuronal messengers. The sensory innervation, responding to capsaicin, plays an important role in mucosal protection, and in ulcer healing. Presumably also other nerves are involved and a plasticity in the neuropeptide expression has been demonstrated at the margin of gastric ulcers. Taken together, available data indicate a complex interplay between hormones, paracrine messengers and neuronal messengers, growth factors and cytokines in the regulation of gastric mucosal activities such as secretion, local blood flow, growth, and restitution after damage.

Effects of cytokines, without and with Helicobacter pylori components, on mucus secretion by cultured gastric epithelial cells

Cytokines are suspected to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric diseases. Hence, considerable attention has been paid to the actions of cytokines on gastric cells. We examined the effects of cytokines on mucus secretion by gastric epithelial cells, without or with H. pylori components. Mucus secretion by cultured gastric epithelial cells was assessed as secretion of [3H]glucosamine-prelabeled high-molecular-weight glycoproteins. Interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 significantly stimulated mucus secretion, but other cytokines such as IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha had no effect. H. pylori lysate caused a decrease in both basal and stimulated secretion of mucus. In addition, IFN-gamma significantly potentiated the lysate-induced reduction of basal and stimulated secretion. Cell viability was not affected by any of treatments. These results indicate that IL-1beta and IL-6 stimulate mucus secretion, while IFN-gamma potentiates H. pylori-decreased secretion by gastric epithelial cells.

Pentagastrin gastroprotection against acid is related to H2 receptor activation but not acid secretion

BACKGROUND

Pentagastrin enhances gastric mucosal defense mechanisms against acid and protects the gastric mucosa from experimental injury.

AIMS

To investigate whether this gastroprotection is mediated by histamine receptors or occurs as a secondary effect of acid secretion stimulation.

METHODS

The effects of omeprazole (100 mumol/kg), ranitidine (20 mg/kg), and pyrilamine (10 mg/kg) on pentagastrin (80 micrograms/kg/h) induced gastroprotection against acidified aspirin injury were examined in a luminal pH controlled model. The effects of these compounds on pentagastrin enhanced gastroprotective mechanisms were investigated using intravital microscopy, in which intracellular pH of gastric surface cells (pH1), mucus gel thickness, gastric mucosal blood flow, and acid output were measured simultaneously.

RESULTS

Pentagastrin protected rat gastric mucosa from acidified aspirin injury. This gastroprotection was abolished by ranitidine, but not omeprazole or pyrilamine. Pentagastrin induced a hyperaemic response to luminal acid challenge, increased mucus gel thickness, and elevated pHi during acid challenge. Ranitidine reversed these enhanced defence mechanisms, whereas omeprazole and pyrilamine preserved these effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that pentagastrin associated gastroprotection and enhanced defence mechanisms against acid result mainly from activation of histamine H2 receptors, and not as an effect of the stimulation of acid secretion.

Effects of PGE2 on amount and composition of high molecular weight glycoproteins released by human gastric mucous cells in primary culture

The aim of this study was to determine effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on amount and composition of high molecular weight glycoproteins (HMG), released by human gastric mucous cells in primary culture. PGE2 stimulated the release of HMG, as evidenced by measurement of total carbohydrate and protein content, in a concentration-dependent manner. At the maximally tested concentration of 10(-5) mol/l, the increase amounted to 53% and 85%, over controls, for carbohydrate and protein, respectively. The stimulated release was accompanied by alterations of HMG glycosylation. As detected by lectin-ELISA, there was a relative decrease in N-acetyl glucosamine and an increase in mannose and galactose content. The sialic acid content increased in parallel to the total carbohydrate content. These results suggest that PGE2 plays a regulatory role in the synthesis and secretion of HMG by human gastric mucous cells.

Sulphated macromolecules produced by in vivo labelling in the rat gastric mucosa

The aim of this study was to investigate the nature and distribution of sulphated macromolecules of the extracellular matrix in rat gastric mucosa. This was achieved by developing an in vivo labelling system. An intraperitoneal injection of 1 mCi [35S]-sulphate was given for either 4 h (0.01% incorporation into macromolecular fraction) or 8 h (0.13% incorporation). At the end of the labelling period the stomach was removed and the mucosa and submucosa was either taken as a single combined sample or separated into four layers by blunt dissection. Each sample was papain digested and analysed by ion-exchange chromatography. This analysis revealed sulphated species of differing charge existing in differing proportions throughout the mucosa. These sulphated species eluted at NaCl concentrations of approximately 0 (A), 0.19 (B), 0.34 (C) and 0.78 mol/L (D) from a Q-Sepharose ion exchange column. Further analysis by size exclusion chromatography and chemical and enzymatic digestion showed that peaks B and C had molecular weights of 2.4 x 10(5) and 2.8 x 10(5), respectively and were resistant to chondroitinase ABC, heparitinase and nitrous acid digestion. Peak D was found to contain a polydisperse population of molecules with a molecular weight range of approximately 1 x 10(4) to 6 x 10(4). This sample was susceptible to nitrous acid and chondroitinase ABC digestion and was found predominantly in the sample isolated from deeper in the tissue. We have thus developed an in vivo labelling technique for sulphated macromolecules that can be used in the further study of injury to the gastric mucosa.

Isolation, identification and quantitative evaluation of specific cell types from the mammalian gastric mucosa

Functional in vitro studies with isolated gastric mucosal cells require cytological identification of different cell types in suspension or primary culture. Since suitable techniques have not been well established, different staining methods for the discrimination of dispersed pig and guinea pig gastric cells have been developed on the basis of modified previous protocols for enzymatic cell dispersion. Chief and parietal cells were visualized by combined periodic acid-Schiff stains. Surface mucous and mucous neck cells were identified by affinity-labelling, using lectins with selective staining properties in situ. Two of the lectins were found to be specific markers for gastric polymorphonuclear cells. The following vital tests were found to be useful: succinic dehydrogenase for parietal cells, Nile blue/brilliant cresyl blue stains for chief cells, and different phagocytosis assays for endothelial cells and gastric phagocytes. Endocrine cells were characterized by immunocytochemistry using specific antibodies against gastrin, somatostatin, histamine and serotonin. The same technique using a vimentin antibody was performed for the identification of fibroblasts. Proliferation of mucosal cells in primary culture was monitored by the incorporation of bromo-deoxyuridine, which was subsequently detected by a monoclonal antibody.

Isoproterenol enhances rat gastric mucosal barrier function in vivo

BACKGROUND

The mechanism by which topical isoproterenol protects the gastric mucosa from ethanol-induced injury is unclear; previous studies suggest that enhancement of mucosal blood flow may be contributory. Therefore, we investigated the role of isoproterenol pretreatment on rat gastric mucous gel layer thickness, mucosal blood flow, and surface cell intracellular pH.

METHODS

A portion of the gastric corpus of an anesthetized rat was isolated in a superfused chamber. Intracellular pH was measured with the fluorescent dye 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate, mucous gel thickness was measured by quantifying the distance between the focal planes of the epithelial cell and the gel surfaces, and mucosal blood flow was measured in separate experiments with a laser-Doppler flowmeter.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with topical isoproterenol markedly increased gastric mucous gel layer thickness, decreased surface cell initial acidification rates, and significantly enhanced the recovery of intracellular pH toward baseline values. Gastric mucosal blood flow was significantly higher in the isoproterenol-treated group compared with untreated controls, initially increasing, decreasing, and then increasing a second time during superfusion with acidic solutions.

CONCLUSIONS

Isoproterenol preserves gastric surface cell intracellular pH during acid superfusion. This effect may be a result of an increased thickness of the mucous layer, which delays proton entry into the surface cell, and an increase in mucosal blood flow in response to luminal acid, which appears to enhance recovery from intracellular acidosis.

Quantitative PAS assay of some carbohydrate compounds and detergents

A spectrophotometric method for determination of color development of glycocompounds subjected to PAS reaction was investigated with various carbohydrate compounds and related chemicals. The conditions of the oxidation with periodic acid was found to influence the amount of the colored Schiff dye produced. Mono- and di-saccharides (mannose, glucose and maltose) were PAS-negative. Glycogen was more reactive than dextran. When glycogen was hydrolyzed by amylase the intensity of the PAS product dropped until a certain limit probably reflecting the limit dextrin. The presence of proteins (albumin) or electrolytes (NaCl) did not influence the PAS reaction. Many non-ionic detergents commonly used in membrane biology such as alkyl glycosides and gluco-methyl alkanamides were strongly PAS-positive and so was the anionic detergent SDS while the zwitterionic detergents tested, such as CHAPS and CHAPSO, were PAS-negative. The color development of the spectrophotometric PAS reaction showed linearity with the concentration of a simple glycoprotein solution (peroxidase) and a complex solution (bovine serum). By the PAS reaction it was also possible to measure the content of soluble and membrane bound carbohydrate compounds in a pellet of liver cell membranes. We find that the PAS reaction is sensitive and reliable for quantitative estimations of complex carbohydrates as well as soluble and membrane-bound carbohydrate compounds. The latter should be treated with PAS-unreactive zwitterionic detergents.

"Gastrin" and "CCK" receptors on histamine- and somatostatin-containing cells from rabbit fundic mucosa--I. Characterization by means of agonists

A previous study has suggested the presence of two distinct binding sites for gasrin and cholecystokinin (CCK) in isolated non-parietal cells from rabbit gastric mucosa: a receptor which binds CCK-8 and CCK-39 with a high affinity and a receptor which binds gastrin and CCK-8 with the same high affinity and CCK-39 with a lower affinity. To characterize these receptors, their ability to induce phosphoinositide breakdown was investigated. Gastrin (HG-17), CCK-39 and CCK-8 induced [3H]-inositol phosphate ([3H]InsP) accumulation from [3H]inositol prelabelled cells with a high potency (EC50: 0.3-2.7 nM) but CCK-8 exhibited a higher efficacy than HG-17 or CCK-39. HG-17, CCK-8 and CCK-39 induced a rapid accumulation of [3H]inositol monophosphate ([3H]InsP1), [3H]inositol bisphosphate ([3H]InsP2) and [3H]inositol trisphosphate ([3H]InsP3) but CCK-8 caused a two times higher accumulation than HG-17 or CCK-39. Histamine- and somatostatin-containing cells appeared to be located in this non-parietal cells population. HG-17, CCK-8 and CCK-39 dose-dependently induced histamine release with the following order of potency: HG-17 = CCK-8 (EC50 approximately 0.2 nM) greater than CCK-39 (EC50 approximately 4 nM). In addition, HG-17 exhibited the highest efficacy. HG-17, CCK-8 and CCK-39 enhanced somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI) release with the following order of potency: CCK-8 (EC50 approximately 0.1 nM) = CCK-39 greater than HG-17 (EC50 approximately 10 nM); CCK-8 and CCK-39 exhibited the highest efficacy. These results led us to the following conclusions: (i) existence of a "gastrin-type" and of a "CCK-type" receptor mediating phosphoinositide breakdown in these gastric non-parietal cells. CCK-8 interacts with both receptor-types with the same affinity; (ii) the release of histamine from histamine-containing cells could be induced following "gastrin-type" receptors activation; (iii) somatostatin release from D-cells present in this non-parietal cells population could be induced following "CCK-type" receptors activation.

Functional and structural characterization of the secretin receptors in rat gastric glands: desensitization and glycoprotein nature

We have documented and characterized the down-regulation of the 125I-secretin binding sites and the associated desensitization of the secretin receptor-cAMP system in rat gastric glands. Secretin induced a rapid decrease of the high-affinity 125I-secretin binding sites with t1/2 = 30 min at 37 degrees C. Half-maximal down-regulation and desensitization occurred at 10(-9) M secretin, a physiological concentration corresponding to the half-maximal activation of the secretin receptor. The Scatchard parameters of the low-affinity 125I-secretin binding sites were unaffected by the pretreatment. This desensitization is heterologous in view of the loss of responsiveness to the truncated glucagon-like peptide 1 (TGLP-1), and pharmacologically selective since the secretin-related analogue VIP (10(-7) M) does not alter the secretin-induced cAMP generation in rat gastric glands. The glycoprotein nature of the secretin receptor has also been demonstrated using WGA-agarose affinity chromatography of the solubilized 125I-secretin receptor complex.