Effect of sodium polyacrylate on chronic reflux esophagitis in rats

Sodium polyacrylate (PANa) is a high-molecular compound which makes a very viscous aqueous solution. It was reported that PANa has a preventive effect on spontaneous gastroesophageal ulceration in swine. In this study, the effect of PANa on the chronic reflux esophagitis in rats induced by total gastrectomy followed by esophagojejunostomy was investigated. Ulceration and hyperplasia began to develop in the esophageal region about 10 days after the operation. PANa was dissolved in drinking water and the rats were allowed free access to the solution. The development of ulceration and hyperplasia was significantly inhibited by the treatment with PANa in a dose-dependent manner (0.02-0.5%). Histological findings at 30 days after the operation indicated that PANa caused a significant inhibition of the ulceration and a significant acceleration of the regeneration of the mucosa. On the other hand, other viscous compounds such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate and a specific trypsin inhibitor such as leupeptin showed no significant inhibition against the esophagitis. The decrease in the red blood cell count and in hematocrit value caused by the esophagitis was significantly prevented by the treatment with PANa.