Expression of claudin-3 in the esophagus and larynx of rat reflux model

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between laryngeal expression of claudin-3 and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in a rat reflux model.

Methods

Eight Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Four rats underwent total esophageal myectomy to induce reflux, and the remainder underwent a sham operation as a control. All animals were sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery to perform tissue histology and Western blot analysis.

Results

Lymphocyte infiltration increased significantly in the study group in both esophageal and laryngeal samples (P = 0.001, 0.002, respectively). Both esophageal and laryngeal expressions of claudin-3 were significantly lower in the study group when compared with that in the control group (P = 0.045, 0.037, respectively).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that a decrease in claudin-3 could be a sensitive indicator of reflux laryngitis in rats.