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Updated: Jul 25, 2026

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells
Published on: July 20, 2014
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.
Abstract:
Merkel cells (MCs) are well recognized in the basal layers of the skin and oral mucosa, but this paper describes for the first time the presence of MCs in the human oesophagus. These cells are not identified in neonatal oesophagus, but are seen singly and in clusters in adult specimens. Application of stereological techniques shows that MCs are more numerous in the mid-oesophageal region. Cells expressing established markers of MCs have also been demonstrated in two out of six primary small cell carcinomas of the oesophagus. Further investigation of the role of MCs in oesophageal innervation and epithelial biology will be of interest.
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