Distribution of prostaglandin-sensitive adenylate cyclase in human upper gastrointestinal tract.

The localization of the prostaglandin-sensitive adenylate cyclase in the upper gastrointestinal tract in human beings was studied. The prostaglandin-sensitive enzyme was almost evenly distributed throughout the fundic, antral and duodenal mucosa. The enhancement of enzyme activity in the presence of maximally effective prostaglandin concentrations exceeded basal levels by about 200%. The physiological role of the prostaglandin sensitive adenylate cyclase in gastric and duodenal function, however, remains to be established.