Abstract

Indirect immunofluorescence studies using an antiserum to purified porcine gastric inhibitory polypeptide indicate, in the gastrointestinal tract of dog and man, that this polypeptide is present in cells situated predominantly in the mid-zone of the glands in the duodenum and, to a lesser extent, in the jejunum. Absolute correlation of the gastric inhibitory polypeptide cell with one or other of the known endocrine-like cells identified by electron microscopy awaits confirmation by electron immunocytochemistry. It is here identified as an endocrine polypeptide cell of the APUD series and, provisionally, as the D₁ cell. While the hormonal status of a given polypeptide depends ultimately on physiological experiments the present results strengthen the view that gastric inhibitory polypeptide is indeed a hormone.