Expression of gastrin in developing gastric adenocarcinoma

Background: A stepwise progression through premalignant stages has been identified for the intestinal type of gastric carcinoma. As gastrin has been identified as a growth factor for the intestinal type of gastric adenocarcinoma, the aim of this study was to investigate whether gastrin is expressed in premalignant gastric conditions. Methods: Ninety archival samples of atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, mild gastric epithelial dysplasia, moderate gastric epithelial dysplasia, severe gastric epithelial dysplasia and intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma were obtained, Immunocytochemistry was performed using antibodies directed against gastrin and its post-translational precursors, and the gastrin/cholecystokinin B receptor. Positive staining was identified using the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method and quantified using an image analysis system. Results: Gastrin and its receptor were shown to be expressed in specimens of atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, epithelial dysplasia and the intestinal type of gastric carcinoma. Conclusion: Gastrin seems to be an important growth factor in gastric carcinogenesis.