Three-dimensional estimation of the glandular volume, and of the number and volume of epithelial cells in two glands from the antral mucosa of five healthy volunteers.
Specimens of antral mucosa were taken from five healthy volunteers and processed for microscopic evaluation. Consecutive 50-micron-thick sections were cut to estimate the volume of two antral glands. Two glands in each section were followed throughout by projecting their profiles from two microscopes mounted in parallel. The glandular volume was estimated using Cavalieri's principle. The mean volume of epithelial cells was estimated by systematic random sampling of the sections with an optical disector of known sample volume. The total number of cells per gland was calculated after determination of the volume of the glands and the mean volume of the epithelial cells. The mean volume of the antral glands was 13.6 +/- 1.67.10(6) microns3, whilst the mean volume of the epithelial cells was 1256 +/- 240 microns3. The total number of epithelial cells per gland was 11216 +/- 1104. In conclusion, using stereological methods, the total number of cells as well as the cell volume and the volume of antral glands can be determined in routine biopsy specimens of human stomach provided that the total depth of the mucosa is present in the section.
Uribe
A
A
Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Gundersen
H J
HJ
D000328:Adult; D002452:Cell Count; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011706:Pyloric Antrum / Q000166:cytology