title: Esophagolaryngeal reflex in a porcine animal model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of stimulation of the distal esophagus upon tension in the thyroarytenoid muscles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Stimulation of the distal esophagus of six anaesthetized female pigs by means of balloon dilatation and acid infusion was performed. Response was measured with electromyography of the thyroarytenoid muscles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Acid infusion into the distal esophagus showed a statistically significant response in the thyroaytenoid muscles. Response to balloon dilatation was marked but not statistically significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stimulation of the distal esophagus during episodes of gastroesophageal reflux may play a causative role in producing some of the symptoms that otolaryngologists treat on a daily basis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gill
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Morrison
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004576:Electromyography; D004947:Esophagus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006685:Hoarseness / Q000209:etiology*; D007821:Laryngeal Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000209:etiology*; D012018:Reflex; D013552:Swine