Esophageal columnar epithelial beta-galactosidase and beta-glucuronidase.

ABSTRACT

We have compared the activity of the lysosomal enzymes, beta-galactosidase and beta-glucuronidase, in esophageal columnar, gastric fundic, and small intestinal epithelia. Beta-Galactosidase activity in esophageal columnar epithelium was less than that in intestinal tissue. Beta-Glucuronidase activity in the esophageal columnar epithelium was greater than that in gastric fundic tissue. Thus, this unique epithelium has enzyme characteristics which are dissimilar to both intestinal and gastric fundic tissue. This tends to support previous findings that suggested a metaplastic derivation.