Oesophageal peristalsis in normal subjects. Influence of pH and volume during imitated gastro-oesophageal reflux
Madsen, T.; Wallin, L.; Boesby, S.; Larsen, V.H.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 18(4): 513-518
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-5521 PMID: 6669927 Document Number: 218955
Acid gastroesophageal reflux in normal human subjects is followed by esopahgeal peristalsis. The influence of pH and volume during imitated reflux on esophageal peristalsis was investigated. Fluid volumes of 2.5, 5, 10 and 15 ml (pH 1.0, 4.0, or 7.0) were instilled randomly in the lower end of the esophagus in 8 healthy subjects. Further, repeated instillations were carried out in 1 subject. Esophageal pressures were measured 5, 10 and 15 cm oral to the gastroesophageal sphincter and in the pharynx and pH 5 cm oral to the sphincter. Peristalsis confined to the esophagus was related to the volume of the instilled fluid, whereas pharynx-mediated peristalsis seemed to be related to the acidity of the fluid. Peristalsis after limited gastroesophageal reflux is influenced by both the volume and the acidity of the instilled fluid. Volume seems to initiate a local clearing mechanism, whereas low pH initiates pharynx-mediated peristalsis.