A Bama Minipig Model of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and the Change of Laryngopharyngeal Mucosal Ultrastructure

Background/Aims To establish an animal model of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and study the effect of LPR on the laryngopharyngeal mucosal ultrastructure. Methods Ten Bama minipigs were randomly divided into control group and stent group. Every pig underwent endoscope, and baseline pH was monitored for 4 hours at laryngopharynx and distal esophagus, then specimens from laryngopharyngeal mucosa were biopsied. For the control group, these procedures were repeated on the 14th day. In the stent group, a custom-designed esophageal stent suit was implanted into esophagus, laryngopharyngeal and distal esophageal pH monitoring lasted for 2 hours, then stent suit was removed 3 days later. At last, the same procedures were done as the control group on the 14th day. Specimens were observed under transmission electron microscope to measure the intercellular space and desmosorne number. Results In the control group, there was no laryngopharyngeal reflux on the first day and 14th day. Before the stent was implanted, there was also no laryngopharyngeal reflux in the stent group. In both 2 hours and 14 days after stent implantation, the number of reflux, reflux time, and percentage time of pH < 4.0 were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the stent group. There was no difference in intercellular space and desmosomes in the control group between baseline and 14th day. In the stent group, intercellular space of laryngopharyngeal mucosa was significantly increased (0.37 mu m vs 0.96 mu m, P = 0.008), and the number of desmosomes was significantly decreased (20.25 vs 9.5, P = 0.003). Conclusions A Bama minipig model of LPR was established by implanting a custom-designed stent suit. LPR might destroy the laryngopharyngeal mucosal barrier.