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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells
Published on: July 20, 2014
Expression of mucin-2 and correlation with PAS-alcian blue stain in Barrett's esophagus
César V Lopes1, Júlio Pereira-Lima, Antônio Hartmann
1Departmens of Gastroenterology, Porto Alegre School of Medical Sciences (FFFCMPA)/Santa Casa Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil. cevele@terra.com.br
Background/Aims:
Hematoxylin-eosin stain may fail to show intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus, and PAS-alcian blue may present difficulties of interpretation due to its more heterogeneous staining. We investigated whether Mucin-2 is a good substitute for PAS-alcian blue in the detection of goblet cells.
Methodology:
Biopsy specimens from 47 Barrett's esophagus patients were stained with hematoxylineosin and PAS-alcian blue. Mucin-2 expression was evaluated with monoclonal antibody. The intra- and interobserver agreements about the expression of Mucin-2 and PAS-alcian blue stain were determined by kappa statistics.
Results:
PAS-alcian blue and Mucin-2 were positive in all cases. Mucin expression was positive in goblet cells and few columnar cells. PAS-alcian blue showed heterogeneous staining. The columnar epithelium and the submucosal glands were also stained. Intra- and interobserver agreement in the identification of intestinal metaplasia was 100%.
Conclusions:
Mucin-2 agreed fully with PAS-alcian blue. The intra- and interobserver agreement was perfect, justifying its use in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus.
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