Effects of Profound Duodenogastric Reflux on the Foregut in Rats

The trophic effect of pathologic duodenogastric reflux (DGR) was investigated on the esophagus, stomach and pancreas in rats. DGR was induced by split gastrojejunostomy and the effect of omeprazole, cholecystokinin-receptor blockade and gastrin-receptor blockade was studied after 2 weeks. DGR increased plasma cholecystokinin and gastrin and was associated with esophageal hyperplasia and esophagitis, especially in combination with omeprazole. Omeprazole caused an additive rise in gastrin in the DGR group. DGR induced pancreatic growth which was partly inhibited by both cholecystokinin- and gastrin-receptor blockade. Profound DGR has trophic effects on the foregut. Both cholecystokinin and gastrin receptors seem to be involved in the pancreas. The study supports a role for duodenal reflux in esophageal disease and provides possible mechanisms for the trophic effect in the pancreas.