Role of saliva in esophageal function and disease

Evidence for Decreased Salivary Function in Patients with Reflux Esophagitis

“…While the development of RE is thought to be multifactorial, the two most important causative factors are the potency of injurious agents in refluxed fluids and the duration of contact of injurious agents with the esophageal mucosa [18]. Esophageal acid clearance is thought to be a two-stage process of esophageal emptying and acid neutralization [5].…”

Interactions of the Salivary and Gastrointestinal Systems

“…Normal salivary flow decreases the time that acid is in contact with the esophageal mucosa. Another factor which may favor the de velopment of GERD is loss of the esophagosalivary reflex [12]. This reflex causes in creased salivary flow in response to symp tomatic upper GI mucosal irritation [17].…”

“…Saliva was formerly thought to function in the esophagus only by lubricating or cleansing. However, recent evi dence suggests saliva may maintain esopha geal health through buffering [12], Esopha geal acid clearance is thought to be a twostage process of esophageal emptying and acid neutralization [13]. First, one or two peristaltic sequences empty nearly all acid volume from the esophagus.…”

“…While the development of GERD is thought to be multifactorial, the two most important causative factors are the potency of injurious agents in refluxed fluids and their duration of contact with the esophageal mucosa [12], For this reason, the esophageal clearance mechanism is an important defense against the development of GERD [14]. Normal salivary flow decreases the time that acid is in contact with the esophageal mucosa.…”

Three cases of sialorrhea in pregnant women

“…일부 연구에서는 역류성 식도염 환자들에서 위산이 식도를 자극함으 로써 산 자극에 대한 중성화를 위해 침 분비량이 증가하게 된다는 보고 가 있었다 [6]. 임신으로 인해 혈중 프로게스테론과 에스트로겐 호르몬의 농도가 증 가하고 특히 프로게스테론이 하부 식도 괄약근의 수축력을 방해하여 역 류성 식도염을 유발하게 되고 이로 인해 침 분비량이 증가하는 것으로 설명하고 있다 [7].…”