AJP - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 240, Issue 6 442-G449, Copyright © 1981 by American Physiological Society
Mucosal gastrin receptor. VI. Induction by corticosterone in newborn rats
W. Peitsch, K. Takeuchi and L. R. Johnson
Serum and antral gastrin levels as well as specific binding of
[125I]gastrin-17 to a 270-30,000 g oxyntic gland mucosa crude membrane
preparation were measured in rats between 5 and 40 days of age. Rats were
normally weaned at day 18, although weaning was prevented in some animals
until day 25. The results of these studies confirmed our previous data
showing that mucosal gastrin receptors and antral gastrin levels begin to
increase at the time of normal weaning and reach adult levels within a few
days. Although the shift from liquid to a solid diet enhances the response,
it is not essential for it and does not trigger it. In addition, the
current studies demonstrated that injection of corticosterone caused a
premature increase in both gastrin receptor and antral gastrin levels. Once
maturation had occurred, however, corticosterone had no further effect.
Adrenalectomy delayed but did not prevent the maturational changes in
gastrin receptors and antral gastrin levels. Normal serum gastrin
concentrations were necessary for the number of gastrin receptors and the
amount of antral gastrin to reach normal levels.
