Acid challenge to the human esophageal mucosa: effects on epithelial architecture in health and disease

• The histological changes that occur in the squamous epithelium in response to acute acid challenge was examined in healthy controls and proton pump inhibitor-treated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients and related to the state of untreated erosive GERD in a saline-controlled, randomized perfusion study. In the basal state a stepwise significant increase in the thickness of the basal cell layer, papillary length, and dilatation of intercellular spaces (DIS) was seen when the three groups were compared. Acid perfusion induced a slight increase in the height of the basal cell layer mainly in healthy volunteers; this layer appears to be reactive to acute acid challenge as well as to acid suppressive therapy. DIS increases promptly in response to acute acid exposure in the healthy epithelium but no changes were seen in the lengths of the papillae or regarding DIS in the GERD patients. A protective effect of luminal nitric oxide on DIS development is suggested.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Farmakologi och toxikologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Pharmacology and Toxicology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Adult

Aged

Drug Administration Schedule

Esophagus/*drug effects/pathology/physiopathology

Female

Gastroesophageal Reflux/metabolism/*pathology/physiopathology

Humans

Hydrochloric Acid/administration & dosage/*pharmacology

Infusions

Parenteral

Male

Membrane Potentials/drug effects/physiology

Middle Aged

Mucous Membrane/drug effects/pathology/physiopathology

Nitric Oxide/metabolism

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)