Reflux esophagitis induced by duodenogastroe-sophageal reflux in rats

AIM To observe the severity of reflux esophagitis induced by duodenogastroesophageal reflux (DGER) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER). METHODS Twenty four male Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into 3 groups: In group A ( n =8): Pyloric ligation and cardiomyotomy was used; in group B ( n =8): Upper empty intestine ligation and cardiomyotomy was used; and in group C ( n =8): Sham operation was performed and it thus served as a control group. The pH values and the pathological changes of distal esophagus were observed 24 hours after the operation. RESULTS pH values at distal esophagus in group A and group B were 2.43±0.17 and 4.06±0.20, and both were significantly lower than that of group C (5.89±0.19, P 0.01). Significant difference was noted in the pH values at distal esophagus between group A and group B ( P 0.01). The macroscopic esophagitis indices were 2.13(0.35 and 2.37 ±0.52 in group A and group B respectively; and the microscopic esophagitis indices were 2.13±0.35 and 2.25± 0.46 in group A and group B respectively. They were higher than that in group C (0.25±0.46, 0.25±0.46, P 0.01, respectively). There were no marked differences in esophagitis index (including macroscopic and microscopic) of the distal esophagus in group A and group B ( P 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION Similar severity of reflux esophagitis can be induced by DGER and GER.