Assessment of neural inhibition of the lower esophageal sphincter in cats with esophagitis

Gastroenterology. 1993 Mar;104(3):810-8. doi: 10.1016/0016-5085(93)91017-c.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory innervation of the lower esophageal sphincter in the presence of esophagitis.

Methods: Esophagitis was produced in five anesthetized cats with intraesophageal perfusion of HCl. Sphincter pressure responses were assessed with a sleeve catheter after administration of bethanechol, cholecystokinin octapeptide, and McNeil-A343 and with intraesophageal balloon distension.

Results: In the presence of esophagitis (1) resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure decreased; (2) the excitatory response to bethanechol was maintained; (3) there was a reduction in the excitatory response to McNeil-A343 and cholecystokinin at the highest dosages; (4) there was an increase in the potency of cholecystokinin and McNeil-A343 to produce an inhibitory response; (5) the inhibitory response to intraesophageal balloon distension was maintained; and (6) increased inhibitory responses took longer to normalize than the reduced excitatory responses.

Conclusions: Esophagitis decreases cholinergic excitation, but neural inhibition to the LES remains intact. These findings suggest that blocking intact inhibition may be a new therapeutic approach for esophagitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • (4-(m-Chlorophenylcarbamoyloxy)-2-butynyl)trimethylammonium Chloride / pharmacology
  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Bethanechol
  • Bethanechol Compounds / pharmacology
  • Cats
  • Esophagitis / physiopathology*
  • Esophagogastric Junction / drug effects
  • Esophagogastric Junction / innervation*
  • Esophagogastric Junction / physiology
  • Esophagus / pathology
  • Female
  • Male
  • Neural Inhibition*
  • Sincalide / pharmacology

Substances

  • Bethanechol Compounds
  • Bethanechol
  • (4-(m-Chlorophenylcarbamoyloxy)-2-butynyl)trimethylammonium Chloride
  • Sincalide