Abstract

Examination of human gastric biopsies by an indirect immunofluorescence technique using antihuman gastrin confirms the variability in distribution and number of gastrin-secreting (G) cells (Solcia, Vassallo, and Capella, 1969) observed by morphological, cytochemical, and electron microscopical studies. In cases with presumed secondary hypersecretion a profound degree of G-cell hyperplasia is observed. Immunofluorescence with. antigastrin can provide valuable information on the state of the G cells in different physiological states, particularly if used in conjunction with other cytochemical techniques.