In situ localization of pepsinogens I and II mRNA in human gastric mucosa.

Localization of pepsinogens I and II mRNA in the human gastric mucosa was investigated by an in situ hybridization method using digoxigenin-labeled cDNA probes. Gastric fundic mucosa from healthy volunteers, which was stained with digoxigenin-labeled pepsinogens I and II cDNA probes, showed positive staining in the cytoplasm of both chief cells and mucous neck cells. In contrast, gastric antral mucosa stained with the pepsinogen I cDNA probe showed no positive reaction in the surface mucous cells or pyloric glands. On the other hand, the pyloric glands were stained positively with the pepsinogen II cDNA probe and the staining appeared to be identical to that obtained with the antipepsinogens I and II monoclonal antibodies using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique. These results are consistent with those of previous studies that have employed immunochemical and immunohistochemical techniques.