ISSN:
1432-2307
Keywords:
Key words Esophagus
;
Esophagitis
;
Reflux disease
;
Intercellular glycoconjugates
;
Intercellular space dilation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background and aims: The usefulness of histological diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is limited by poor specificity or sensitivity of available diagnostic tools. Recently, ultrastructural morphometry showed interstitial space dilation (ISD) to be a reliable sign of reflux disease. Aims of this study were to (a) search for a light microscopy equivalent of ISD, (b) test its diagnostic value, and (c) look for a possible role of intercellular glycoconjugates in its genesis. Methods: Esophageal grasp biopsies were taken during endoscopy, 2–3 cm and 6–7 cm above the squamo- columnar junction, from patients under investigation for GERD symptoms. The biopsies were fixed in aldehyde solutions and embedded in resin for electron microscopy or in paraffin for routine histology, and the glycoconjugates underwent immunohistochemistry using 3-fucosyl-N-acetylactosamine antibodies. Results: Irregular intercellular space dilation was detected in the basal and prickle layers using both light and electron microscopy. Hematoxylin–eosin preparations showed ISD in 20 of 22 (90%) erosive esophagitis cases, 30 of 44 (68%) endoscopy negative GERD cases, and 1 of 12 (8%) controls, with good interobserver (K=0.75) and bioptic site reproducibility. ISD correlated with loss or rearrangement of intercellular glycoconjugates of the overlying layers and with granulocyte (eosinophil and/or neutrophil) infiltration. Conclusions: Light microscopy ISD is a suitable index of GERD. Alterations of intercellular glycoconjugates are likely to have a role in the genesis of ISD and GERD.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004280050032
Permalink
