Effect of Lower Esophageal Sphincter Distension and Acidification on Esophageal Pressure and Electromyographic Activity: The Identification of the “Sphinctero-Esophageal Excitatory Reflex”

During gastroesophageal reflux episodes, the lower esophageal sphincter dilatation and not acidification appears to initiate increased esophageal peristalsis, which clears the esophagus of the refluxed acid. The increased esophageal peristalsis on lower esophageal sphincter dilatation is suggested to be reflex in nature and is mediated through the “sphincteroesophageal excitatory reflex.” This reflex may be of diagnostic significance in esophageal motility disorders; however, this point needs further studies.