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SUMMARYBackground: Cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression has been reported to play an important role in the metaplasiadysplasia-carcinoma sequence in Barrett's oesophagus. However, the existence of cyclo-oxygenase-2 expressing cells in Barrett's epithelium is still uncertain. Aim: To identify the cells that express cyclo-oxygenase-2 protein and to investigate the relationship between cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression and mucin-phenotype of Barrett's epithelium. Methods: Sections from 466 biopsy samples of Barrett's epithelium from 358 non-medicated patients were immunohistochemically examined for the cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression, mucin-phenotype, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results: Cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression was detected in 71.0% of Barrett's epithelium biopsy samples. In

The absence of the intestinal predominant mucin phenotype was a positive predictor for newly developed squamous re-epithelialization at the site of biopsy of Barrett's mucosa. Only Barrett's esophagus with the gastric predominant mucin phenotype may predict a favorable response to acid suppressive therapy.

SUMMARY BackgroundControversy exists concerning the efficacy of acid suppressants in the regression of Barrett's oesophagus.