Uptake of horseradish peroxidase by human oesophageal explants over 24 h

Human oesophageal biopsies, endoscopically and histologically normal, were incubated in Ham's F10 for periods up to 24 hours in the presence of horseradish peroxidase. The fluid phase marker was taken up most avidly by the prickle cells but to a lesser extent in the functional layers and by basal cells. Endocytosed markers proceeded to multivesicular bodies (segrosomes). Horseradish peroxidase was later deposited in lysosome-like structures and also in the Golgi apparatus. The lesser uptake by the functional cells may represent reduced access of the marker to the cells due to the intercellular barrier.