Regulation of terminal differentiation of zymogenic cells by transforming growth factor alpha in transgenic mice.
OBJECTIVE
Transforming growth factor (TGF) alpha affects the growth of gastric mucosa. Its overexpression alters the mucosa. The aim of this study was to test the possibility that it regulates differentiation of gland cells.


METHODS
Transgenic mice that overexpress TGF-alpha were used to detect its effect on zymogenic (chief) cells in the stomach. To test for a general regulatory role of TGF-alpha in differentiation of zymogen-producing cells, salivary glands from transgenic mice were studied.


RESULTS
In these mice, messenger RNA for pepsinogen C is present in the stomach at normal levels during the neonatal period and then decreases markedly. Zymogenic cells are present in the stomach during the neonatal period but are missing in transgenic adults. The bases of gastric glands, normally rich in zymogenic cells, are occupied by undifferentiated cells and mucous neck cells, the precursors of zymogenic cells. Zymogen granules in submandibular glands of transgenic female mice are reduced in number. Zymogen granule-containing cells in the parotid gland undergo redifferentiation to form tubular complexes, collections of ductularlike structures like those formed in the transgenic pancreas.


CONCLUSIONS
TGF-alpha is a major participant in the regulation of terminal differentiation of zymogenic cells in the stomach and salivary glands.
Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.
D E
DE
Bockman
R
R
Sharp
G
G
Merlino
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004792:Enzyme Precursors / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013270:Stomach / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology*; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology*; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000502:physiology*
D004792:Enzyme Precursors; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha