Ultrastructure and Morphometric Analysis of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Gastric Wall of the Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) play a vital role in the gastrointestinal motility. However, information on ICC in lower vertebrates is rare. Here, ICC and ICC-like features of the gastric wall in the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) were observed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The lengths and distances of the ICC/ICC-like features were measured by morphometric analysis. The gastric wall contained mucosa, submucosa, tunica muscularis, and serosa. The gastric glands contained mucous cells and oxynticopeptic cells. The ICC with 1–3 processes were located among smooth muscle cells (SMC) of the tunica muscularis. Moreover, the ICC-like features were observed among oxynticopeptic cells of the mucosa. The processes of ICC established direct contacts with SMC. Also, the gap junctions were observed between the processes of ICC and nerve fiber bundles in the tunica muscularis. The multivesicular bodies, including shedding exosomes, were frequently observed between ICC and SMC. In addition, ICC-like features and their processes were observed in close proximity to oxynticopeptic cells and blood vessels. Our findings illustrated that ICC are present in the gastric tunica muscularis, and ICC-like features were in the mucosal lamina propria of the gastric wall of R. catesbeiana. These histological evidences supported the notion that ICC are implicated in gastric motility.

Effect of pentagastrin and gastrin-17 on the secretory function of the gastric glands

The regulation of the digestive glands of the stomach and pancreas in the body of animals and humans is provided by peptides, most of which are in various molecular forms. 10 molecular forms of peptides of the gastrin group and 5 peptides of the cholecystokinin (CCK) group have been identified, containing in their structure from 4 to 56 amino acids, the physiological role of which has been little studied. It has been proven that the liver removes up to 85% of short-chain peptides of the gastrin (pentagastrin) and cholecystokinin (CCK-8) groups.

Clinical-pharmacological aspects of the choice of phytocomponents for the regulation of the gastrointestinal function

The presentations of dyspepsia include a range of clinical symptoms, each of which has different mechanisms of development, and, therefore, requires different approaches to the correction. In this context, the combination preparations containing components of natural origin with polymodal action on the gastrointestinal tract deserve special attention. Combination of synergistic components: highly bioavailable curcumin and prebiotic fibers; artichoke leaf extract and chamomile flower extract provide simultaneous effects on three key digestive organs: stomach, pancreas and liver. Curcumin has an anti-inflammatory effect, helps to normalize acidity and restore microflora; epithelialization of ulcers; normalization of the gallbladder function; elimination of toxins. It inhibits the processes of primary tumour formation and prevents the development of metastatic processes in gastrointestinal cancer. Pharmaceutical technologies using cyclodextrin as an excipient increase curcumin’s water solubility, dispersibility and absorption, which has been confirmed in several comparative bioavailability studies in healthy volunteers. Chamomile flower extract has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antiulcer, wound healing and astringent effects. Chamomile is rich in slimy substances that envelop and protect the inflamed mucous membrane, including the stomach, from irritation with hydrochloric acid, bile components, food, and drugs. Mucous substances also have an anti-inflammatory effect and improve digestion. The artichoke facilitates the outflow of bile, affects the secretion of gastric glands, pancreas, increases the enzymatic activity of gastric juice, enhances intestinal motility during its atony, and has a hepatoprotective effect. As can be seen from the above, a combination of these synergistic components can be used in patients with chronic diseases, functional disorders as part of combination therapy, as well as for the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases in healthy people.

Case report: A EWSR1-CREM-Rearranged Gastric Mesenchymal Tumor Accompanied by Gastritis Cystica Profunda and with Probable Benign Behavior

Background:Genomic rearrangements involving EWSR1 and the CREB family of transcription factors are increasingly detected in an array of mesenchymal neoplasms, including clear cell sarcoma-like tumors of the gastrointestinal tract (CCSLGT), a gastrointestinal malignancy. Gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) is a rare disease characterized by cystic dilatation of gastric glands into the submucosa and generally regarded as a precursor to tumor.Case presentation:Herein, we report a peculiar case in which a EWSR1-CREM-rearranged gastric mesenchymal tumor was admixed with GCP in a gastric fundic mass in a 64-year-old woman. Histologically, the mass showed readily distinguishable epithelial and mesenchymal components. All layers of the gastric wall were invaded, although no lymph node or neural invasion, or tumoral vascular emboli was noted. The epithelial component consisted of foveolar-type glands interspersed with pyloric-type ones, with glands showing metaplastic growth. Most glands were elongated with irregular contour, with some forming cystic structures containing eosinophilic secretory material. The epithelial cells showed focally atypical hyperchromatic nuclei, inconspicuous nucleoli, slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm, and infrequent mitosis. The mesenchymal component consisted of monomorphic, ovoid-shaped cells often arranged in sheets surrounding the glands. These cells displayed scanty cytoplasm, regular nuclei, and rare mitotic figures. Immunohistochemically, the epithelial cells were uniformly positive for cytokeratins and negative for markers of neuroendocrine differentiation, and the mesenchymal neoplasm showed focal positivity for CD10, CD117 and CD56 as well as negativity for cytokeratin, neuroendocrine markers, DOG-1, CD34, SMA, desmin, HMB-45, Melan A, and S-100. An EWSR1-CREM fusion was identified with genomic profiling and confirmed with fluorescence in situ hybridization in the tumor. Given the low mitotic activity, absence of nodal or distant spread and vascular or neural invasion, and the disease-free status at 28-month follow-up, both lesions were likely benign. Conclusions:To our knowledge, this is the first to report a EWSR1-CREM fusion in a gastric mesenchymal tumor with accompanying GCP. Whether this case suggests a novel entity or falls into one of proposed classes awaits report of more similar cases and insights into the relationship between GCP pathogenesis and oncogenesis.

Histogenesis of developing human fetal stomach

Background: Human stomach is a highly specialised organ with distinct types of glands and microscopic features for its physiological activity. This study aimed to assess the chronological order in the development of different layers and the cyto-differentiation of various glandular cells in 50 fetuses from 12 weeks of gestation till term.Methods: Tissue was taken from cardiac, body and pylorus to investigate with light and confocal microscopy.Results: The gastric gland formation began as an indentation of the surface epithelium, gastric pit and simultaneous development of glandular buds in the mucosa. The pyloric glands preceded the development of cardiac and gastric glands showing retro cranial sequence of development. In contrast, the muscularis externa showed the classical craniocaudal model of development with oblique layer in the cardiac region by 14 weeks and body region by 16 weeks of gestation. The parietal cells were well developed by 12 weeks and the chief cells by 16 weeks with prominent secretory granules. In addition, the pyloric sphincter was a clearly defined anatomical sphincter developed by whorling of the inner circular layer at the pyloric end of the stomach evident from 12 weeks of gestation.Conclusions: The results showed that the significant cellular morphogenesis occurred between 12-20 weeks of gestation. This aggregated data will serve as a catalyst in the understanding intricacy of embryogenesis, pathogenesis tracing of congenital anomalies and invention of new drugs.

To the question of the effect of sodium, calcium and potassium chloride salts on the work of the gastric glands

When studying the question of the effect of NaCl on gastric secretion, not all authors come to concordant conclusions, and the data of clinical studies are sharply at variance with the results of experimental studies on animals.

Metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma associated with hypertrophic gastropathy resembling Ménétrier's disease in an adult Labrador Retriever dog

We describe a case of hypertrophic gastropathy (Ménétrier’s like disease) with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma in a seven-year-old intact female Labrador Retriever dog. The animal suddenly presented with emesis and died. Gross lesions included a marked diffuse thickening of the gastric mucosa and an ulcerated transmural neoplastic mass in the gastric body. Gastric body and fundus were affected by foveolar hyperplasia with loss of chief and parietal cells replaced by mucous cells and marked dilatation of gastric glands. An area of gastric adenocarcinoma with submucosal lymphatic vessels invasion was also present and metastases were observed in the gastric lymph nodes, small intestine, pancreas, lung and liver. Due to its similarity with other gastric proliferative disorders, including this condition in the list of differentials is a necessary step in the diagnostic investigation of canine gastropathies.

Protective Effect of Prunus Dulcis Against Acetylsalicylic Acid Injury on Gastric Parietal Cells

Background: Acetylsalicylic acid is in common clinical use but has the side effect of causing gastric mucosal erosions and selective injury to parietal cells. Aim: To explore if prior treatment with Prunus dulcis (almond) had a protective effect against acetylsalicylic acid induced injury. Study design: Experimental study. Methodology: Albino mice weighing 30 to 40 grams were given two drops of almond oil without peel and 300 mg of finely ground whole almond kernel by oral gavage for sixty days followed by 400 mg/kg body weight of acetylsalicylic acid orally. Gastric mucosal damage was observed and recorded as ulcer index. The number of parietal cells/ sq. micrometer and area of parietal cells were observed and recorded under microscope in formalin fixed H and E stained sections. Data analyzed by SPSS 22.0v. Results: Mucosal damage, distortion of gastric glands and damage to parietal cells was pronounced in the positive control animals. The number of surviving parietal cells after acetylsalicylic acid insult in animals given almond oil was significantly higher when compared with positive control animals (p<0.001) and even better in animals receiving whole ground almond kernel. The area of parietal cells was also similarly larger in the treated animals. Conclusion: This study concluded Prunus dulcis offers protection against acute gastric mucosal injury and damage to the gastric parietal cells caused by acetylsalicylic acid in mice. Keywords: Prunus Dulcis, Parietal Cells, Gastric Erosions and Acetylsalicylic Acid.

Gross Anatomy and Histological Features of Gymnarchus niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) from the River Niger at Agenebode in Edo State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to record the anatomy and histological features of the gastrointestinal tract of the trunk fish Gymnarchus niloticus captured at Agenebode in the Lower River Niger, Edo State. The gastrointestinal tract was segmented into the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pyloric caeca, and intestine. The slender (taeniform) body that is fuller at the head tappers at its end. There are no spines on this fish, and the fins used for locomotion are the dorsal fins and not the typical pectoral fins as in other fish. The oesophagus, stomach, pyloric caeca, intestine, and cloaca (anterior, intermediate, posterior, and rectum) were analysed for histological examination. The stomach had significantly higher villi and thicker inner circular muscles compared to the intestine and oesophagus. The lamina propria was thickest in the stomach which is significantly higher when compared with the oesophagus, but not with the intestine. However, the intestine showed significantly thicker outer longitudinal muscle, while gastric glands were observed only in the stomach. The histological features were closely associated with the functions of the different segments of the gastrointestinal tract. In conclusion, the histological features of the gastrointestinal tract of G. niloticus are consistent with the feeding habit of a carnivorous fish. In conclusion, the GIT is a complex structure composed of organs that reveals that it is a higher vertebrate created for a hardy survival, consistent with the feeding habit of a carnivorous fish. The histology reveals a GIT formed by four conspicuous layers from the inside to the outside of the mucosa, submucosa, and an inner longitudinal layer of the muscularis and the outer circular of the muscularis typical of higher vertebrates.