Cytogenetic characterization and gene expression profiling in the rat reflux-induced esophageal tumor model

The rodent reflux model is capable of inducing metaplastic epithelial changes simulating Barrett esophagus, as well as subsequent neoplastic transformation, at a high frequency. Cell lines have been established from these tumors that are capable of in vitro and in vivo passaging. The rodent reflux model should be a valuable model for studying therapy and chemoprevention efforts for Barrett esophagus, whereas the established cell lines provide a useful resource for drug discovery and other high-throughput studies.