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Motility changes in opossum esophagus from experimental esophagitis
S Shirazi1, K Schulze-Delrieu, T Custer-Hagen
1Surgical and Gastroenterological Research Laboratories, VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Acute esophageal inflammation increases esophageal body irritability and alters smooth muscle contractile responses. These findings in opossums correlate with functional abnormalities observed in patients experiencing reflux esophagitis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Acute inflammation can impact organ function.
- Reflux esophagitis is a common condition with associated esophageal dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acute inflammation on esophageal body contractile activity.
- To determine if inflammation alters smooth muscle mechanical responses.
Main Methods:
- Two models of acute esophagitis were induced in opossums using hydrochloric acid perfusion.
- Esophageal manometry and in vitro isometric tension recordings were performed.
- Histological analysis confirmed inflammatory changes.
Main Results:
- Acid-perfused opossums exhibited esophageal shortening, failed peristalsis, and spontaneous contractions.
- In vitro muscle strips showed spontaneous contractions and decreased contraction amplitude with prolonged duration upon stimulation.
- Altered mechanical responses were observed in both directly and indirectly affected esophageal tissues.
Conclusions:
- Acute esophageal inflammation induces increased smooth muscle irritability and diminished contractile responsiveness.
- These inflammatory-induced changes in esophageal motility may explain functional abnormalities seen in reflux esophagitis.