RESUMEN
Gastroesophageal reflux(G), duodenoesophageal reflux(D) and duodeno gastroesophageal reflux(DG) model and control group(C) were reproduced by operations in rats. Their esophagi were harvested at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after operation. Epithelial cells were stained by PI and assessed with flow cytometry(FCM).The results of FCM were compared in terms of DNA index (DI, the ratio of the G0/G1 peak of the sample cells to that of the spleen lymphocyte of normal rat), proliferating index (PI, the percent of cells in S and G 2 /M in all cells) and aneuploidy (a distinct additional G0/G1peak).PI of D group increased at 2 weeks, and PIs of D and DG group were greater than G group and C group at 4 weeks.DIs and the rates of aneuploidy of all groups were similar at all time points. The results were in accord with the morphological changes. It is concluded that gastric and duodenal contents can induce abnormal proliferation of esophageal epithelium. This effect is obvious in groups with reflux of duodenal contents. Excessive proliferation of the esophageal epithelium might be one of the pathogenetic factors of reflux esophagitis or other relevant complications.