Effects of exogenous ghrelin on experimental reflux esophagitis model in male rat

Reflux esophagitis is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the quality of life in patients. Esophagitis is a chronic disease that leads to inflammation of the esophagus. Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide that has several endocrine and metabolic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ghrelin on the esophagitis. Eighteen wistar rats were divided into three groups of six. Midline laparatomy was performed in the control group. In the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and GERD+Ghrelin groups, esophagitis was induced by method of Omura. Rats in GERD+Ghrelin group received 4 i.p. injections of 25 ng/g body weight ghrelin. The amount of gastric acid secretion and esophageal blood flow were measured. Gastric acid in GERD+Ghrelin group increased significantly when compared to control and GERD groups. The epithelium thickness and papillae of lamina properia length in GERD group increased significantly compared to the control group. The difference in papillae of lamina properia length between GERD and GERD+Ghrelin was statistically significant. Esophageal blood flow in GERD+Ghrelin group increased significantly in comparison with GERD group. Treatment with ghrelin could reduce esophageal mucosal damage followed by chronic exposure of acid and other gastric contents. Key words: Reflux esophagitis, ghrelin, blood flow, gastric acid, mucosal damage, rat.