title: Telocytes in human oesophagus.
abstract: Telocytes (TCs), a new type of interstitial cells, were identified in many different organs and tissues of mammalians and humans. In this study, we show the presence, in human oesophagus, of cells having the typical features of TCs in lamina propria of the mucosa, as well as in muscular layers. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and primary cell culture. Human oesophageal TCs present a small cell body with 2-3 very long Telopodes (Tps). Tps consist of an alternation of thin segments (podomers) and thick segments (podoms) and have a labyrinthine spatial arrangement. Tps establish close contacts ('stromal synapses') with other neighbouring cells (e.g. lymphocytes, macrophages). The ELISA testing of the supernatant of primary culture of TCs indicated that the concentrations of VEGF and EGF increased progressively. In conclusion, our study shows the existence of typical TCs at the level of oesophagus (mucosa, submucosa and muscular layer) and suggests their possible role in tissue repair.
authors.affiliation: Department of thoracic surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Xiaoke
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yonghua
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: Catalin G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Manole
authors.forename: Xiangdong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Qun
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D048429:Cell Size; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D004947:Esophagus / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000166:cytology; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D061251:Primary Cell Culture; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor
keywords: EGF; VEGF; human oesophagus; stromal synapses; telocytes; telopodes; tissue repair