In vitro glycoprotein synthesis and secretion by gastric mucosal tissue of patients with gastritis.

Endoscopically obtained gastric antrum mucosal tissue of 50 patients was examined for inflammatory cellular infiltrations and cultured. The incorporation rates of 3H-glucosamine into tissue and the secretion of 3H-labeled mucus were determined. The total glucosamine incorporated into tissue and secretions was found to be increased in mucosa from patients with histologically proven gastritis when compared to normal gastric mucosa. The differing time-dependent patterns of incorporation and secretion curves in patient groups with various forms of gastritis suggest the presence of various stimulating factors dependent on the histological pattern of inflammatory cellular infiltration. The possible modifying role of cellular and humoral factors associated with gastritis in the gastric mucus production is discussed.