[Saliva in experimental gastroesophageal reflux]

Saliva, with a neutral pH, mucous content and inhibitory factors of the stomach acid secretion, can be considered a protecting element of the esophageal mucosa in the gastroesophageal reflux. 39 Wistar rats 175-225 g were used divided in seven groups: "C" control, "E-A" esophago-gastrostomy. "E-M" esophago-myectomy, "S-C" only sialoadenectomy, "S-EA" sialoadenectomy plus esophagogastrostomy, "S-EM" sialoadenectomy plus esophago-myectomy. 15 days later the rats were sacrificed, the esophagus was taken out for its histological examination and blood samples were drawn. The comparison between the control and treated groups, showed a significant deterioration of the EA, SEA and SEM groups regarding the final weight, and the SC group in the white series and ions. Many of the animals with esophagus operations showed vomit signs and general affectation. None of the groups showed esophageal lesions in the histology, from which it can be deduced that, in the rat, a 90% saliva absence doesn't produce negative effects on the esophageal mucosa either in acid presence or not.