A novel external esophageal perfusion model for reflux-associated respiratory symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been linked to a number of extra-esophageal symptoms and disorders, primarily in the respiratory tract. Current animal models of reflux esophagitis are adapted to diseases of the digestive system, rather than to reflux-associated respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel external esophageal perfusion model to induce esophageal, tracheal and pneumonic histological injury similar to that associated with GERD.


METHODS
Twenty guinea pigs were randomized to the acid-treated or PBS-treated group. Esophageal catheters were used to perfuse the esophageal lumen of guinea pigs with hydrochloric acid containing 1 g/l pepsin or PBS for 14 days. The total cell number and cell differential counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined 24 h after the last perfusion. Histological changes in the esophageal, tracheal and pneumonic tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.


RESULTS
The numbers of lymphocytes, eosinophils and total inflammatory cells in the BALF were significantly higher in acid-perfused than PBS-perfused animals. Histological evidence suggested esophageal and pneumonic inflammations were prominent in acid-treated animals.


CONCLUSIONS
Repetitive, acid-perfused, esophageal events copied the animal models of reflux esophagitis, and elicited inflammatory responses in the airways and lungs of guinea pigs.
Institute of Respiratory Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Qinzi
Q
Li
Lingfei
L
Kong
Shuna
S
Zhang
Zhaoshuang
Z
Zhong
Xiaofeng
X
Liu
Jinou
J
Wang
Jian
J
Kang
D000818:Animals; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D010434:Pepsin A; D010477:Perfusion; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014132:Trachea / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology
D010434:Pepsin A; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid