What does Lugol's solution stain in esophageal tissue?

Lugol's solution is an iodine-based staining agent that reacts specifically with tissues containing glycogen. In the esophagus, the normal squamous mucosal cells, particularly in the stratified epithelium, store glycogen. When Lugol's solution is applied, these glycogen-rich cells will stain a rich brown color, highlighting their presence in the tissue.

The staining mechanism of Lugol's solution creates a distinct differentiation that can be useful during histological examinations. This reaction allows for the identification of the normal squamous epithelium of the esophagus, providing critical information about the tissue’s glycogen content, which can indicate health or pathological changes.

Understanding this specificity can aid in distinguishing between normal physiological conditions and more neoplastic processes, which may not retain the stain in the same manner. Thus, recognizing that Lugol's solution targets glycogen-containing squamous mucosal cells is crucial in interpreting esophageal tissue samples within the context of endoscopic evaluations.