Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 30, 2026

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice
05:19

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice

Published on: August 25, 2015

Transient inflammation and dysfunction of the eustachian tube secondary to multiple exposures of simulated

S B Heavner1, S M Hardy, D R White

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, USA.

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|October 20, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Simulated gastroesophageal reflux, using pepsin in hydrochloric acid, impaired eustachian tube function in rats. This suggests a link between reflux and middle ear issues like otitis media with effusion.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux is common in infants and young children.
  • Emerging research links reflux to eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media with effusion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between simulated gastroesophageal reflux and eustachian tube dysfunction.
  • To determine if refluxate exposure causes eustachian tube dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Rat middle ears were transtympanically exposed to pepsin in hydrochloric acid or saline.
  • Eustachian tube function was assessed via passive opening/closing pressures and pressure clearance.
  • Active clearance of positive and negative middle ear pressure was measured.

Main Results:

  • Passive pressure function tests yielded variable results.
  • Rats exposed to pepsin in hydrochloric acid showed impaired clearance of middle ear pressure.
  • This impairment was significant compared to saline-exposed controls.

Conclusions:

  • Repeated middle ear exposure to pepsin in hydrochloric acid causes eustachian tube dysfunction in rats.
  • This experimental model supports a connection between gastroesophageal reflux and eustachian tube dysfunction.

More Related Videos

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

Construction of a Wireless-Enabled Endoscopically Implantable Sensor for pH Monitoring with Zero-Bias Schottky Diode-based Receiver08:25

Construction of a Wireless-Enabled Endoscopically Implantable Sensor for pH Monitoring with Zero-Bias Schottky Diode-based Receiver

Published on: August 27, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Other Disorders of Digestive System01:30

Other Disorders of Digestive System

The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease01:25

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...
Hiatal Hernia01:25

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...