The use of mitomycin C in caustic esophagitis in rats.

PURPOSE To evaluate the topical effects of mitomycin C (MMC) in rats, with or without esophageal dilation, in different moments after esophageal caustic injury with NaOH10%. METHODS Forty eight Wistar rats were divided into six groups: "GS" infusion of 0.9% saline solution in the esophagus; "CG" infusion of 0.9% saline solution in the esophagus, with temporary ligation of the organ; "NTG" induction of a caustic lesion without treatment; "GmmcD0" MMC applied immediately after the caustic injury; "GmmcD14" MMC applied 14 days after the caustic injury; "Gdil+mmcD14" esophageal dilation and application of MMC 14 days after caustic injury. We performed contrast esophagograms of four animals from each group, seven and 21 days after the caustic injury. On day 28, all animals were sacrificed, and histopathological analyses were performed on the esophageal specimens. RESULTS The contrast images showed total stenosis in NTG and GmmcD0, improving to partial stenosis in GmmcD0. In GmmcD14 and Gdil+mmcD14, two animals of each group improved to partial stenosis. By histopathological analysis, NTG and GmmcD14 presented intermediate damage and GmmcD0 and Gdil+mmcD14 severe damage. CONCLUSION The use of mitomycin C had beneficial effects specially when applied immediately after the induction of esophageal lesions.