FIGURE 3.

Analyses of Tas2r126-expressing cells in unique glandular units at the smaller and greater curvature adjacent to the gastric groove. (A) Distribution of large invaginations on stomach sections at the level of the esophagus orifice (asterisk). TRPM5 was used as marker for brush cells. In order to prepare the sections the stomach was cut along the dotted line as illustrated. (B) Large invaginations were often branched and fused into oval structures with a large lumen; the lining epithelium comprised numerous cells with Tas2r126 immunoreactivity (red). An example area at the smaller curvature is shown. The schematic drawing indicates the cutting level (dotted line). (C) Invaginations associated with the first gland (marked by arrow heads) which are located very close to the bottom of the gastric groove have an open connection to the gastric lumen. The connecting channel of the invagination is encircled by the dotted line. GC, greater curvature, SC, smaller curvature, LR, limiting ridge. Scale bars (A), 100 μm, (B,C), 50 μm.