Fig. 7.

mRNA expression of myofibroblast, epithelial, and hematopoietic markers in primary cultures of human esophageal stromal cells. RNA was harvested from esophageal stromal cell primary cultures [myofibroblasts 1, 2, and 3 (MF1, MF2, and MF3)], 18Co colon myofibroblasts, Het-1A esophageal epithelial cells, and commercially purchased peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). cDNA was generated, and α-SMA, vimentin, E-cadherin, and CD45 mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). mRNA expression of α-SMA and vimentin was readily detected in esophageal stromal cells (MF1-3) and in colon myofibroblast line 18Co cells. mRNA expression of these myofibroblast markers was variable across primary cultures. E-Cadherin and CD45 mRNA expression was undetectable in esophageal stromal cells and 18Co cells. E-Cadherin and CD45 mRNA was readily detected in esophageal epithelial cell Het-1A and PBMCs, respectively. Results shown are representative of 3 individual experiments in primary cultures derived from 3 normal human esophagi.