Surface features of normal and neoplastic human esophageal cells in vivo and in vitro

Normal and neoplastic human esophageal cells were studied in vivo and in vitro by scanning electron microscopy in an attempt to elucidate surface differences between them as the cell surface may play an important role in the malignant process. Superficial biopsy specimens of normal and malignant esophageal mucosa were examined and compared. Polygonal normal esophageal surface cells were covered by a complex arrangement of microridges and bordered by well developed intercellular ridges. Malignant esophageal cells were more rounded, possessed reduced numbers of microridges and cell borders were indistinct. Cultured cells growing from explants of normal and malignant esophageal mucosa were studied. Normal esophageal cells in vitro were tightly adherent, flattened, lacked microridges and displayed few surface projections. Cultured malignant cells were not as tightly adherent and possessed abundant surface projections such as microvilli and lateral processes. Thus, distinct surface differences were recognised between normal and malignant esophageal mucosal cells both in vivo and in vitro.