Review for 10.1186/s12876-016-0429-0 (2016)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: A Hypothesis of Couplet Molecules and Couplet Cells in Gastric Function and an 
Association with Helicobacter pylori  
 
 
Version: 0 Date: 04 Sep 2015  
 
 
Reviewer: Reidar Fossmark  
 
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
 
The author presents a novel theory on how gastrin and histamine interact in the regulation of 
ECL -cells and G -cells respectively.  
 
 
Gastrin is a hormone and reaches the ECL -cell via systemic circulation. However, the main 
problem with the presented hypothesi s is that ECL -cells are located in the gastric corpus and 
release histamine as a local signaling substance. Increased histamine levels are found in the 
portal venous blood, but not in the systemic circulation in response to physiological 
hypergastrinemia. The portal hyperhistaminemia caused by histamine released from ECL -cells 
after a meal does not reach and affect antral G -cells.  
 
 
The hypothesis is not compatible with a large body of previous research. Although many of the 
current concepts in physiology wi ll change, the anatomical localization of ECL -cells and G -cells 
seems indisputable.    
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the aut hors.  
 
No 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Unable to assess  
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an 
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further 
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
Not relevant to this manuscript  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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1. Have you in the past five year s received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from 
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3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the  
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4. Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding , or salary from an organization that 
holds  or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6. Do you have any non -financial competing interests in relation to this paper?  
 
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below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
none  
 
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