Distinct effects of tetragastrin, histamine, and CCh on rat gastric mucin synthesis and contribution of NO.

Although gastrin, histamine, and carbachol (CCh) accelerate gastric mucin metabolism, information about their target cells of mucin production is lacking. To clarify this, we examined the effects of these stimulants, including the possible participation of nitric oxide (NO), on mucin biosynthesis in distinct sites and layers of rat gastric mucosa. Pieces of tissue obtained from the corpus and antrum were incubated in a medium containing radioactive precursors and each stimulant, with or without NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor. Distribution of NOS was compared with that of the specific mucins by immunostaining using specific antiserum and monoclonal antibodies. In the full-thickness corpus mucosa, tetragastrin enhanced [3H]glucosamine incorporation into mucin but had no effect on [14C]threonine incorporation. Both histamine and CCh dose dependently increased 3H- and 14C-labeled corpus mucin. Only CCh stimulated antral mucin biosynthesis. CCh stimulation was noted in the corpus mucosa after removal of surface mucous cells, but stimulation by tetragastrin or histamine disappeared as a result of this pretreatment. Only tetragastrin-induced activation was completely blocked by the NOS inhibitor. NOS immunoreactivity was limited to surface mucous cells. Mucus-producing cells present in the different sites and layers of the gastric mucosa have distinct mechanisms for regulation of mucin biosynthesis. Gastrin-stimulated mucin biosynthesis mediated by NO is limited to surface mucous cells of rat gastric oxyntic mucosa.