Prostaglandin H synthase immunoreactivity in human gut. An immunohistochemical study

H B Mikkelsen, J J Rumessen, K Qvortrup

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19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Prostaglandins exhibit a variety of actions on intestinal smooth muscle depending upon the type, dose and muscle layer studied. As the cellular origin of prostaglandin H (PGH) synthase has not been established with certainty in the human gut wall, we studied the localization of PGH synthase in the human duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon by immunohistochemistry. PGH synthase immunoreactivity appeared to be similar in all segments of the intestine. Most smooth muscle cells seemed to contain PGH synthase; however, the reaction in the lamina muscularis mucosae was much stronger than in the longitudinal and circular muscle layers. Endothelial cells in capillaries and larger vessels showed a positive reaction. In addition, unidentified cells in subserosa, at the level of Auerbach's plexus and in the submucosa were stained. We concluded that the smooth muscle cells of the human gut has a rather large capacity for PGH synthesis and the present results may provide a basis for a better understanding of both normal physiological functions as well as intestinal disease states involving disorders of prostaglandin synthesis.

Original languageEnglish
JournalHistochemistry
Volume96
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)295-299
Number of pages5
ISSN0301-5564
Publication statusPublished - 1991

Keywords

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies
  • Colon
  • Duodenum
  • Endothelium, Vascular
  • Humans
  • Ileum
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Intestinal Mucosa
  • Intestine, Large
  • Intestine, Small
  • Jejunum
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Smooth
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Journal Article

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