The gastrin-producing cells in tissue cultures of the rat pyloric antrum.

Tissue culture methods were used to study the gastrin-producing cells isolated from the pyloric antral mucosa of rats. Cultures were maintained for up to 7 days. Gastrin cells were identified by means of immunofluorescent and unlabeled antibody-enzyme techniques. The tissue culture medium was monitored for basal gastrin secretion. In addition, stimulation of gastrin release was achieved by the use of dibutyryl cyclic-AMP and theophylline. This is the first report of the successful application of tissue culture methods to the functional study of antral gastrin cells. The procedure has proven to be useful in assessing the mechanisms of gastrin secretion.