Control factors of cell proliferation in the esophagus.

The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of epithelial cell proliferation in the esophagus is nearly unknown. Because of the impressive increase in frequency of esophageal adenocarcinoma in Western countries, adequate knowledge of cell kinetics in this organ is required. The factors susceptible to influence cell division in this organ, namely peptide hormones like gastrin or EGF, feeding, alcohol, reflux of acid or bile, will be investigated in human patients, in dogs and in rats. Abnormalities in the pattern of mitotic activity will be investigated in human patients and will also be induced in experimental animals.