RESUMO
The number of antral gastrin cells [G cells] and their staining pattern was evaluated in 28 gastroscopic biopsies without evidence of Helicobacter-like organisms [HLOs], as a control group, and 42 gastroscopic biopsies with HLOs, as a test group. There was no significant difference in the number of G cells per gland in relation to the presence or absence of HLOs, degree of inflammation, type of gastritis and activity of inflammation [P >0.05]. The intensity of immunostaining was deeper in association with HLOs positive cases [++] than the negative group [+]. The intensity of G cell staining was not affected by the severity of HLOs. The intensity of staining was more in active than quiescent gastritis, specially when associated with HLOs. The degree of gastritis has direct effect on the intensity of staining of G cells, specially when associated with HLOs