Dilated intercellular spaces: a morphological feature of acid reflux--damaged human esophageal epithelium

Gastroenterology. 1996 Nov;111(5):1200-5. doi: 10.1053/gast.1996.v111.pm8898633.

Abstract

Background & aims: Dilated intercellular spaces are a sign of epithelial damage in acid-perfused rabbit esophagus, a change best identified by transmission electron microscopy. The aim of this study was to determine if this change is also a feature of acid damage to human esophageal epithelium.

Methods: Endoscopic esophageal biopsy specimens from patients with (n = 11) and without (n = 13) recurrent heartburn were examined using transmission electron microscopy. Of 11 patients with heartburn, 6 had erosive esophagitis and 5 had normal-appearing mucosa on endoscopy; 13 controls had no symptoms or signs of esophageal disease. Using a computer, intercellular space diameter was measured from transmission electron microscopy photomicrographs of the specimen from each patient.

Results: Intercellular space diameter was significantly greater in specimens from patients with heartburn than those from controls; this was true irrespective of whether the patient had erosive or nonerosive disease. Space diameters of > or = 2.4 microns were present in 8 of 11 patients with heartburn and in no controls.

Conclusions: Dilated intercellular spaces are a feature of reflux damage to human esophageal epithelium. As a morphological marker of increased paracellular permeability, its presence in patients without endoscopic abnormalities may help explain their development of heartburn.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Epithelium / pathology
  • Epithelium / ultrastructure
  • Esophagus / pathology*
  • Esophagus / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / ethnology
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged