Salivary secretion in reflux esophagitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Physiology

Background:

• Reflux esophagitis is associated with abnormal acid clearance.
• Impaired salivary function has been hypothesized as a contributing factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate salivary secretion (volume, bicarbonate, N-acetylneuraminic acid) in reflux esophagitis patients.
• To test the hypothesis of impaired salivation in reflux esophagitis.

Main Methods:

• Collected resting and stimulated parotid saliva.
• Collected total mixed saliva during esophageal perfusion with water and hydrochloric acid.
• Compared salivary parameters in reflux esophagitis patients, age/sex-matched controls, and healthy young volunteers.

Main Results:

• Resting saliva volume and bicarbonate were similar across all groups.
• N-acetylneuraminic acid concentration was higher in young volunteers.
• Stimulated parotid saliva and water-perfused mixed saliva showed no significant differences between reflux esophagitis patients and controls.
• Acid perfusion enhanced saliva secretion in young volunteers but not in older groups.

Conclusions:

• The hypothesis of impaired salivation in reflux esophagitis is disproven.
• Age-related decline in salivary response to acid may explain why reflux esophagitis predominantly affects older individuals.