The efficacy of the improved zirconyl hematoxylin in the diagnosis of Barrett’…

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Biology Articles » Methods & Techniques » Use of an improved zirconyl hematoxylin stain in the diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus

Abstract

- Use of an improved zirconyl hematoxylin stain in the diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus

Use of an improved zirconyl hematoxylin stain in the diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus

Jeannette M. McNulty #, Michael J. Kambour, Allen A. Smith *

School of Graduate Medical Sciences, Barry University,Miami Shores, FL, USA

* Correspondence to: Allen A. SMITH, School of Graduate Medical Sciences, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL 33161, USA. Tel.: 305:899-3262, Fax: 305-899-3383 E-mail: asmith@mail.barry.edu

# Work done in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science in Anatomy.

Received: August 3, 2004; Accepted: September 20, 2004

Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous condition characterized by replacement of the normal stratified squamous epithelium by a simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells that secrete an acidic mucin. As originally formulated, fresh solutions of zirconyl hematoxylin stain goblet cells poorly. An improved formula, quintupling the amount of oxidant, yields zirconyl hematoxylin solutions that stain goblet cells darkly even when fresh. The improved zirconyl hematoxylin can be used in place of alcian blue in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. The ingredients of zirconyl hematoxylin are always readily available and are generally recognized as safe.

Keywords: Barrett’s esophagus • acid mucin • goblet cells • zirconyl hematoxylin • methylene green

Source: J. Cell. Mol. Med. Vol 8, No 3, 2004 pp. 382-387