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.
Li
Qinzi
Q
Institute of Respiratory Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Kong
Lingfei
L
Zhang
Shuna
S
Zhong
Zhaoshuang
Z
Liu
Xiaofeng
X
Wang
Jinou
J
Kang
Jian
J
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