Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice
Published on: August 25, 2015
Reflux-related gastric mucosal injury is associated with increased mucosal histamine content in humans
P Bechi1, A Amorosi, R Mazzanti
1Istituti di Clinica Chirurgica 3, Università di Firenze, Italy.
Background:
Experimental studies in the dog and the rat have shown histamine involvement in reflux-related gastric mucosal injury. However, no definite demonstrations of a link between reflux-related gastric mucosal injury and mast cell mediators exist in humans.
Methods:
The relationships between reflux, gastric mucosal histamine content, and gastric histology were assessed in partially gastrectomized subjects presumptively with high (11 Billroth II subjects) and low reflux levels (9 total biliary diversion subjects), respectively. Findings were compared with those in a control group consisting of 8 endoscopically and histologically proven normal subjects.
Results:
Bile acid quantity and concentration in the gastric aspirates were significantly greater in Billroth II subjects than in total biliary diversion subjects. Significantly higher cumulative scores for foveolar hyperplasia, mucosal edema, capillary dilatation and congestion, and smooth muscle fibers in the lamina propria were found in Billroth II subjects than in total biliary diversion subjects. Mucosal histamine content as well as mast cell density and degranulation differed significantly between Billroth II and the other two groups.
Conclusions:
These results represent the first demonstration in humans of an association between mast cell mediators and chemical gastric mucosal injury.
Related Concept Videos
Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Injurious Factors
In the antrum region, G cells secrete the gastrin hormone that binds to gastrin-cholecystokinin-B (CCK2) receptors on parietal and enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells in the fundic glands. Simultaneously, the vagus nerve releases acetylcholine, which binds...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastritis II: Pathophysiology
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology

