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The columnar-lined mucosa in the distal esophagus. A preliminary study in baboons

Carlos A Rubio1, Edward J Dick, Gene B Hubbard

  • 1Southwest National Primate Research Center, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, TX, USA. Carlos.Rubio@ki.se

In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|May 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

In baboons, columnar-lined mucus-producing glands (CLMMG) in the esophagus are an adaptation to daily gastroesophageal reflux (GER). These glands protect the esophagus from stomach acid, unlike squamous epithelium.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Comparative Anatomy
  • Histology

Background:

  • The cardia's definition varies between anatomists and pathologists.
  • Cardiac mucosa (CLMMG) is debated as innate stomach tissue or esophageal metaplasia due to GER.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and nature of CLMMG in baboons.
  • To understand the adaptive role of CLMMG in response to GER.

Main Methods:

  • Autopsy removal of distal esophagus and proximal stomach from 5 adult male baboons.
  • Measurement of CLMMG length using an ocular microscale.

Main Results:

  • CLMMG length varied from 1.2 mm to 12.4 mm in baboons.
  • CLMMG replaced squamous epithelium in the distal esophagus of all baboons studied.

Conclusions:

  • Baboon regurgitation and rumination naturally induce GER.
  • CLMMG's mucins buffer acidic refluxate, protecting the esophagus.
  • CLMMG appears to be an esophageal adaptation to chronic GER.
Abstract

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