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Related Experiment Videos

Merkel cells in the human oesophagus.

J L Harmse1, F A Carey, A R Baird

  • 1Department of Pathology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, U.K.

The Journal of Pathology
|November 5, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Merkel cells (MCs), typically found in skin, have been newly identified in the adult human esophagus. These specialized cells are more concentrated in the mid-esophageal region and may appear in esophageal cancers.

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Histology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Merkel cells (MCs) are specialized neuroendocrine cells traditionally found in the skin epidermis and oral mucosa.
  • Their presence and function in other epithelial tissues, particularly the esophagus, are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and distribution of Merkel cells in the human esophagus.
  • To determine if Merkel cells are associated with esophageal carcinomas.

Main Methods:

  • Histological examination of adult and neonatal human esophageal specimens.
  • Immunohistochemical staining for established Merkel cell markers.
  • Stereological analysis to quantify Merkel cell density.

Main Results:

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  • Merkel cells were identified in adult human esophageal specimens, but not in neonatal ones.
  • MCs were observed singly and in clusters, with higher density in the mid-esophageal region.
  • Cells expressing Merkel cell markers were found in 2 of 6 primary small cell carcinomas of the esophagus.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first evidence of Merkel cells in the adult human esophagus.
  • The findings suggest a potential role for Merkel cells in esophageal innervation and epithelial biology.
  • The presence of Merkel cell markers in esophageal carcinomas warrants further investigation.