Mucus release of surface mucous cells of the mouse stomach with special reference to cell maturation stages and dietary conditions.

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Abstract
The secretory activity of surface mucous cells was quantitatively studied in the mouse stomach under three different dietary conditions: ad libitum feeding, fasting for 15 hrs, and refeeding 1 hr after 15-hrs fast. Surface mucous cells were classified into isthmus cells, foveolar cells, surface cells and degenerating cells according to stage of maturation. The number of exocytosis and cytoplasmic tgranules was calculated in unit lenght of the apical plasmalemma for cells in each state. Foveolar and surface cells in fasted animals manifested higher exocytotic activity than the other two groups (P < 0.01). This suggested that physical and chemical stimuli of the gastric content may greatly affect the secretory activity of the cell. Although the number of cytoplasmic mucous granules proved largest in the upper part of the foveola and less at the mucosal surface under any dietary condition, exocytotic activity did not differ significantly between the foveolar cells and surface cells. Degenerating cells very actively discharged mucus, regardless of dietary condition. It is reasonable to postulate that the cells secret mucus in order to cover the surface and protect the mucosa fromdamage during degeneration.

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