The Effect of Helicobacter Pylori Colonization on Enterochromaffin-Like (ECL) Cell and Gastrin (G) Positive Cells in Rat Stomach

Abstract

Background: Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells have an important role in the gastric tissues. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization has effect on function and the number of these cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 20-weeks Helicobacter pylori colonization on ECL and gastrin (G) positive cells in rat gastric tissues. Methods: 10 rats were divided equally in two experimental and control groups. Then, Helicobacter pylori or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were gavaged to experimental and control groups three times a week for 20 weeks, respectively. Bacterial colonization and histopathological features of gastric tissues were examined with hematoxylin-eosin and Giemsa stains. ECL and G cells were investigated in gastric tissues with silver staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods. Findings: After 20 weeks of gavage, Helicobacter pylori colonization was seen in the gastric tissues. Histopathological changes including epithelial disorganization, epithelial vacuolization, lamina propria and epithelium irregularities in the experimental group were seen. Silver staining showed that the mean number of ECL cells was 11.76 ± 1.79 and 8.35 ± 1.34 cells/volume unit in experimental and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry staining showed that mean number of G cells was 6.74 ± 1.21 and 3.65 ± 0.08 cells/volume unit in experimental and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that colonization of Helicobacter pylori induces epithelial disorganization and vacuolization, lamina propria and epithelium irregularities in gastric tissues and also increases the number of ECL and G cells in these tissues.

Keywords

• Helicobacter pylori
• Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells
• Gastrin producing (G) cell
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC)