Electron microscopic observation of endocrine cells in the antrum in response to Helicobacter pylori infection.]

OBJECTIVE: To observe the ultrastructural changes of the endocrine cells in the antrum after the onset of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. METHODS: Seven patients with chronic gastritis were included in this study, and toluidine blue staining and rapid urease test were performed to determine the Hp status of the gastric antral mucosa biopsies. Five patients identified as being positive for Hp constituted the test group, leaving the 2 Hp-negative patients serving as control. The endocrine cells in the antrum of the patients were sampled to observe the ultrastructural changes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: TEM showed increased electron density of the secretion granules in the endocrine cells, and secretions in the parietal cells were active. CONCLUSION: The ultrastructural changes of the endocrine cells in the antrum might explain high gastrin levels after the onset of Hp infection.