title: Occurrence and neonatal development of N-terminal (1-15) immunoreactivity of big gastrin in the rat antrum.
abstract: G34N (1-15) immunoreactive cells and C-terminal tetrapeptide immunoreactive cells in the antrum of rats of various ages were studied immunocytochemically in both naturally weaned and non-weaned conditions. Some of the C-terminal immunoreactive cells were found to lack G34N (1-15) immunoreactivity while the remainder showed both types of immunoreactivity. G34N (1-15)/C-terminal immunoreactive cell rates increased with age and reached adult values at 3 weeks after birth. The rates in a non-weaned condition were, however, significantly lower than those in a naturally weaned rats. These findings suggest that the development of G34N (1-15) immunoreactivity in rat antral gastrin cells is closely related to maturation of the gastrin cells, and weaning may enhance the maturation process.
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000032:analysis*; D005755:Gastrins / Q000032:analysis*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000032:analysis; D011498:Protein Precursors; D011706:Pyloric Antrum; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: D005755:Gastrins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011498:Protein Precursors; C013706:big gastrin