Paucity of synaptophysin-expressing cells in Barrett's mucosa.

AIMS

To assess synaptophysin expression in columnar-lined oesophageal mucosa showing either goblet cells, known as intestinal metaplasia, or with accompanying oxyntic glands or pyloric glands.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Of 159 biopsies, 53 were oesophageal (19 had intestinal metaplasia, 13 oxyntic glands, and 21 pyloric glands), 77 gastric (12 had goblet cells and 27 no goblet cells) and 29 duodenal. Synaptophysin-positive goblet cells were found in all biopsies from the normal duodenum, in 53% of the oesophageal biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia, but only in 8% of gastric biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia. Synaptophysin-positive Paneth cells occurred in all duodenal biopsies, and in nine of the gastric biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia, but in only one of the oesophageal biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia. A continuous synaptophysin-positive neck cell zone was found in all biopsies from the normal antrum, but in none of the oesophageal biopsies with pyloric glands or with chronic antritis.

CONCLUSIONS

The paucity or absence of synaptophysin-positive cells in all three phenotypes of Barrett's mucosa might mirror a sequela of chronic inflammation caused by the particular pathogenic bacteria present in the immediate oesophageal microenvironment.