Drug induced esophageal lesions studied in vitro.

This paper describes an in vitro method of studying the esophago-irritant potential of oral formulations of drugs. Porcine esophagus was used. The method offers the possibility of studying muscle activity and enzyme leakage (e.g. LDH) and of performing histomorphology of the exposed preparations. Examples of drugs which were tested are alprenolol (Aptin), propranolol (Inderal), doxycycline (Idocyklin) and (Vibramycin) and emepronium bromide (Cetiprin). Concerning effects on muscle activity, Aptic caused a marginal contraction while Cetiprin caused a relaxation of the esophagus preparation. Increased LDH-leakage was noted during exposure with the above mentioned pills in comparison with concurrent control preparations. Histopathological examination disclosed morphological changes such as softening and necrosis of the squamous epithelium of the esophageal mucosa after exposure to drugs like Idocyklin and Aptin.