[An experimental study on esophageal transmucosal potential difference and its diagnostic value in esophagitis]

Since Donné reported on the existence of transmucosal electrical potential difference in 1834, many investigations have been made on this subject. Recently, the fact that the potential difference reflects mucosal integrity has been utilized to examine the extent of mucosal pathology of various parts of the alimentary tract. Few reports, however, have so far been made on the esophageal mucosal potential difference. The author experimentally studied on the esophageal mucosal potential difference to seek its significance in making the diagnosis of esophagitis. A total of 25 mongrel dogs were used and divided into two groups, control and esophagitis group. Endoscopic examination, recording of potential difference and autopsy were made after preparation of esophagitis. The results obtained were as follows: 1) Esophagoscopy of the esophagitis group revealed various types of esophagitis in all the dogs. 2) Gastric mucosal potential difference varied according to the degree of mucosal damage. 3) In esophagitis group, esophageal mucosal potential difference showed the higher values than those of the control group. 4) At the area of localized esophagitis, the value of esophageal mucosal potential difference was higher than that of the intact mucosa. It is concluded that the measurement of potential difference of the esophageal mucosa is useful for detecting the extent of esophageal mucosal damage.