The lymphoepithelial phenomenon in the gastric mucosa

Lymphocyte-like cells surrounded by a clear halo were found within the foveolar epithelium both in the fundus and the antrum in a gastrectomy specimen containing concomitantly a benign gastric ulcer. Electron microscopic studies demonstrated that these "in halo" cells had the ultrastructural characteristics of lymphocytes. "In halo" lymphocytes were found present in the subnuclear aspect of the foveolar cell cytoplasm, even in areas without inflammation in the lamina propria. The possible significance of the present finding is discussed.