Immunohistochemical Localization of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in the Human Gastric Mucosa

Abstract

Background/Aim: There have been only a few studies on the distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the human stomach, in which it was stated that CGRP fibers are rare in that organ. The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunohistochemical localization of CGRP in the human gastric mucosa obtained by endoscopic biopsy from patients with gastric ulcers. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was carried out according to the indirect immunoperoxidase method using an anti-human CGRP antibody. Biopsies were taken from the ulcer margin in 18 patients (age 37–78, average 57.4 years) and from two endoscopically normal portions (antrum and body) in 7 other patients (age 36–65, average 51.0 years). One biopsy specimen was obtained from each portion. Results: Twelve of the eighteen biopsy specimens from the ulcer margin, 6 of the 7 biopsy specimens from normal portions of the antrum and 3 of the 7 biopsy specimens from normal portions of the body showed CGRP-immunoreactive staining. Intense staining was more marked in the specimens from the ulcer margin compared to those of the normal portions. Conclusions: CGRP immunoreactivity was observed in the human gastric mucosa in considerable abundance, and it is presumed that CGRP might participate in a restoration mechanism of the ulcer.