Effect of Acid on the Motility of the Oesophagus of the Pig with Experimentally Induced Oesophagitis

Abstract

The mucous membrane of the oesophagus of 6 pigs was experimentally damaged with hydrochloric acid to create changes similar to reflux oesophagitis. The passage of contrast medium through the oesophagus of the pigs was observed by using spot radiography and pressure measurements. Acid contrast medium caused spasms and non- peristaltic pressure waves during the act of swallowing. Conventional contrast medium traversed the oesophagus normally and the swallowing complex was normal. On the basis of this experimental model it is concluded that the acidity of a bolus is of fundamental importance in the aetiology of spasms in oesophagitis.

Key-words:

• Contrast media
• manometry
• oesophagitis
• oesophagus
• radigraphy
• spasm