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Is intercellular space different among layers in normal esophageal mucosa? An electron microscopic study
Sanghoon Park1, Hoon Jai Chun, Jin Su Jang
1Institute of Digestive Disease and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Inchon-ro 73, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-705, Korea.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|July 8, 2011
Summary
Intercellular space (IS) in the esophagus varies significantly between epithelial layers. Ten measurements per transmission electron microscopy image ensure reliable assessment of IS in GERD research.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Dilated intercellular space (IS) is an early marker of esophageal epithelial damage from refluxate.
- Current methods for measuring IS in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) research, using ten transmission electron microscopy (TEM) photographs and measurements per photo, are widely accepted.
- This study investigates whether IS varies across the three distinct layers of normal esophageal epithelium and determines the optimal number of IS measurements per image.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate variations in intercellular space (IS) among the three layers of normal esophageal epithelium.
- To evaluate the optimal number of IS measurements per transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image for reliable assessment.
- To inform standardized measurement protocols for IS in GERD research.
Main Methods:
- Esophageal biopsies were obtained from 15 healthy adults.
- Tissues were prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize squamous cell, prickle cell, and basal layers.
- Intercellular space (IS) was measured using a computerized image analysis program, with varying numbers of measurements (5-40) per image analyzed for inter-observer agreement.
Main Results:
- Mean IS differed significantly across the three esophageal epithelial layers (squamous: 0.62 ± 0.23 μm, prickle: 0.23 ± 0.19 μm, basal: 0.55 ± 0.36 μm; p < 0.05).
- An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.917 was achieved with ten measurements per photomicrograph, indicating adequate inter-observer agreement.
- The overall mean IS, irrespective of layer, was 0.39 ± 0.30 μm.
Conclusions:
- Intercellular space (IS) measurements vary significantly between the squamous, prickle, and basal cell layers of normal esophageal epithelium.
- Ten measurements per transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image provide adequate inter-observer agreement for IS assessment.
- Revising the standard method for IS measurement is necessary for accurate GERD research.
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