RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 An Easy Method to Identify Parietal Cells in Gastric Biopsies JF In Vivo JO In Vivo FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 599 OP 602 VO 24 IS 4 A1 CARLOS A. RUBIO YR 2010 UL http://iv.iiarjournals.org/content/24/4/599.abstract AB Background: Sections from gastric biopsies are usually stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), a stain that is not optimal for the recognition of many parietal cells. This paper describes a more suitable routine stain to identify parietal cells. Patients and Methods: Nineteen sets of gastric biopsies were consecutively stained with H&E and with modified Giemsa. Giemsa-stained fundic biopsies showed a parietal cell band intercalated between the fovelar epithelium and the chief glands. The continuity of this band was studied at ×4 magnification and its thickness in one well-oriented field at ×10 magnification. Results: A distinct, continuous parietal cell band was recorded in fundic biopsies exhibiting normal mucosa, acute gastritis or chronic gastritis without glandular atrophy (Group A). A discontinuous or lack of parietal cell band was found in fundic biopsies exhibiting chronic gastritis with glandular atrophy or with intestinal metaplasia (Group B). The ratio of parietal cell band/total mucosal thickness ranged between 0.30 and 0.40 in Group A and between 0 and 0.25 in Group B. Conclusion: A parietal cell band was readily demonstrated in sections from gastric biopsies stained with Giemsa, but not in those stained with H&E. Discontinuity with reduced or absent band was recorded in gastric diseases characterised by a decrease of the parietal cell population.