Abstract
The purpose of the study was to evaluate esophageal burn in a rat model using varying concentrations of acid and alkali substances commonly used in daily life. Wistar Albino rats were used in this experimental model (n = 35). One control group and four working groups were designated with 7 animals in each. The control group was given serum physiologic into the esophagus; Groups I and II were administered sodium (Na) hypochloride (acid) in concentrations of 2.5 and 5%, respectively; and Groups III and IV were administered Na hydroxide (alkali) in concentrations of 2.5 and 5%, respectively. After 24 h, samples were taken from the esophagus and the damage was evaluated in submucosa, muscularis mucosa and tunica muscularis, and the total burn scores were determined. Total burn score in the control group was 0.28±0.48; in Group I 2.28±0.95, in Group II 2.43±0.78, in Group III 3.00±0.57 and in Group IV 3.57±0.53. Significant differences were determined in total burn score between all study groups compared with the control group. There were significant differences between Groups I and IV and between Groups II and IV regarding muscularis damage (p<0.05). When the data were evaluated, there was more definite esophageal burn in both acid and alkali groups than in the control group. When the acid and alkali groups (of same concentrations) were compared, damage in the alkali group was greater. Also, the paper concluded that the type of substance given to esophagus as well as its concentration is important in esophageal burns. Key words: Alkali, acid, corrosive esophageal burns, rat.  
Highlights
Alkali substances are the most frequent cause of corrosive burns of the esophagus
While a significant difference was found between the control group and the other groups (p0.05)
When strong acid and alkali substances come in contact with live tissue, they produce chemical burn by causing dehydration in cells and coagulation of collagen and the other cell proteins (Turkyilmaz et al, 2005)
Summary
Alkali substances are the most frequent cause of corrosive burns of the esophagus. 90% of burns are caused by alkali substances and 10% by acid substances (Janousek et al, 2006; Ozel et al, 2004). Household cleaning products such as laundry soda and different detergents generally contain alkali substances. Ingestion of strong corrosive substances, especially alkali substances can cause clinical symptoms ranging from narrowing of esophagus to acute perforation and even death (Otcu et al, 2003; Ekingen et al, 2005).
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