[Analysis of cell proliferation in endoscopically biopsied specimen of the stomal mucosa of the remnant stomach--with special reference to cell cycle and ODC activity].

An attempt was made to investigate the status of cell proliferation in the remnant stomach, using endoscopically biopsied specimens, with cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry (FCM) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity determination. Fifty-three partially gastrectomized patients (male 33, female 20) were examined. Their mean age was 60.5, and 22 underwent Billroth I (BI), and 30 Billroth II (B II) operation. The mean time elapsing from the initial operation was 4.0 years. Almost all specimens showed DNA diploidy by FCM. The S phase cell percentage was higher in the stomal area, especially in the B II group. Significantly higher ODC activity was recognized in the stomal mucosa especially in the B II group. A significant positive relationship was noted between postoperative duration and ODC activity in the B II group. These results suggest activated cell proliferation in the stomal area of the remnant stomach. Especially in the B II group, cell proliferation increased with time after initial operation. This activated cell proliferation may play some role in the carcinogenesis of the remnant stomach.