Document Detail


Effect of lower esophageal sphincter distension and acidification on esophageal pressure and electromyographic activity: the identification of the "sphinctero-esophageal excitatory reflex".
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  15797037     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: The mechanism of esophageal acid clearance through augmenting esophageal peristalsis in response to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is not exactly known. We investigated the hypothesis that lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dilatation rather than the refluxed acid affected reflex increase in the esophageal peristaltic activity aiming at clearing the esophagus of the refluxed acid. METHODS: The esophageal pressure and electromyographic (EMG) activity response to esophageal sphincter balloon distension in increments of 2 mL of saline was recorded in 17 healthy volunteers (10 men, 7 women, mean age 43.6 +/- 11.2 years). The test was repeated in 10 of 17 volunteers while the esophageal sphincter was being anesthetized. The response of the esophageal pressure and electromyographic activity to lower esophageal acidification was also tested. RESULTS: Lower esophageal sphincter balloon distension with 2 mL of saline produced esophageal pressure increase to a mean of 34.2 +/- 5.3 cm H2O (p < 0.001). Increase of the balloon distending volume produced results similar to the 2-mL distension (p > 0.05). The esophageal electrical activity increased on esophageal balloon distension; the increase was similar with distensions of 2 mL up to 10 mL. There was no esophageal pressure or electrical activity response to distension of the anesthetized lower esophageal sphincter or to lower esophageal sphincter acidification. CONCLUSIONS: During gastroesophageal reflux episodes, the lower esophageal sphincter dilatation and not acidification appears to initiate increased esophageal peristalsis, which clears the esophagus of the refluxed acid. The increased esophageal peristalsis on lower esophageal sphincter dilatation is suggested to be reflex in nature and is mediated through the "sphincteroesophageal excitatory reflex." This reflex may be of diagnostic significance in esophageal motility disorders; however, this point needs further studies.
Authors:
Ahmed Shafik; Ismail Shafik; Olfat El-Sibai; Randa Mostafa
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The Annals of thoracic surgery     Volume:  79     ISSN:  1552-6259     ISO Abbreviation:  Ann. Thorac. Surg.     Publication Date:  2005 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2005-03-30     Completed Date:  2006-08-09     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  15030100R     Medline TA:  Ann Thorac Surg     Country:  Netherlands    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1126-31; discussion 1131     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. shafik@ahmed-shafik.org
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Electromyography*
Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / physiology*
Esophagus / physiology*
Female
Gastroesophageal Reflux / physiopathology
Humans
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Male
Middle Aged
Peristalsis
Pressure
Reflex

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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