Characterization of oncocytes in deep esophageal glands

Summary Deep esophageal glands play a vital role in the protection and regeneration of the esophageal mucosa. Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus have been associated with a change in the usual glands by oncocytic metaplasia. However, little is known regarding the function of oncocytes or the relevance of this metaplastic change in the human esophagus. We hypothesized that oncocytes of deep esophageal glands also express markers characteristic of a ductal epithelial phenotype because similar oncocytes have been described as part of large ductal epithelial cells in salivary glands. We used immunohistochemical stains to define structural, functional, proliferative, and potential stem/progenitor characteristics of oncocytes. Oncocytes did not express mucins or lysozyme C, two molecules found in mucous cells and used for antimicrobial defense. Oncocytes did not express CK5, a cytokeratin found in myoepithelial cells and basal epithelial cells, but expressed CK7, a cytokeratin found in intralobular ductal epithelial cells and luminal epithelial cells of the main duct. Oncocytes expressed cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and sodium/potassium ATPase, ion channels that play a role in bicarbonate secretion. Membrane‐bound beta‐catenin was detected in oncocytes, but these cells did not express the proliferative marker Ki67. Approximately, a third of oncocytes expressed SOX9 and p63, transcription factors expressed in epithel...
Source: Diseases of the Esophagus - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research