αv integrin: a new gastrin target in human pancreatic cancer cells.

Aim: To analyse αv integrin expression induced by gastrin in pancreatic cancer models.

Methods: αv integrin mRNA expression in human pancreatic cancer cells was analysed using a "cancer genes" array and confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Western blotting and semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry were used to examine protein levels in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and pancreatic tissues, respectively.