Cholecystokinin-B/Gastrin Receptor: A Novel Molecular Probe for Human Small Cell Lung Cancer

Yoshinobu Matsumori, Nobuyuki Katakami, Mitsuhiro Ito, Taizo Taniguchi, Nobuko Iwata, Tomoaki Takaishi, Kazuo Chihara, Toshimitsu Matsui

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

The brain-gut hormones, gastrin and cholecystokinin, have a trophic effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa in vivo and promote the growth of several neoplastic cell lines. In this study, cholecystokinin-B/gastrin receptor has been demonstrated to provide a novel molecular marker for the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer by using biopsy specimens. Physiological expression of the receptor mRNA is detectable in particular areas of the human brain, stomach, and pancreas but not in the lung. The receptor mRNA was detected selectively in all small cell lung cancer (10 cases) with a RT-PCR assay. By contrast, it was detectable in only 1 of 13 squamous cell carcinomas or 21 adenocarcinomas of the lung. Thus, the cholecystokinin-B/gastrin receptor could be an attractive therapeutic target for small cell lung cancer.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)276-279
Number of pages4
JournalCancer Research
Volume55
Issue number2
StatePublished - 15 Jan 1995
Externally publishedYes

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