Gastrin-cholecystokinin(B) receptor expression in AGS cells is associated with direct inhibition and indirect stimulation of cell proliferation via paracrine activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor.

BACKGROUND Activation of the gastrin-cholecystokinin(B) (CCK(B)) receptor stimulates cell proliferation and increases production of ligands for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R). AIMS To determine the role of gastrin-CCK(B) activation in stimulation of cell proliferation via paracrine activation of EGF-R. METHODS AGS cells were transfected with the gastrin-CCK(B) receptor (AGS-G(R) cells) or with green fluorescent protein (AGS-GFP cells). Proliferation was determined by [(3)H] thymidine incorporation, flow cytometry, and cell counting. RESULTS Gastrin inhibited proliferation of AGS-G(R) cells by delaying entry into S phase. However, when AGS-G(R) cells were cocultured with AGS-GFP cells, gastrin stimulated proliferation of the latter. Immunoneutralisation and pharmacological studies using metalloproteinase and kinase inhibitors indicated that the proliferative response was mediated by paracrine stimulation of EGF-R and activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase pathway through release of heparin binding EGF. CONCLUSIONS Gastrin can directly inhibit, and indirectly stimulate, proliferation of gastric AGS cells.