The effect of tegaserod on esophageal submucosal glands bicarbonate and mucin secretion.

Tegaserod, a 5-HT4 partial agonist, was shown to reduce esophageal acid exposure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, its mechanism of action is poorly understood. Therefore, we have examined the effect of tegaserod on luminal bicarbonate and mucin secretion in the isolated perfused pig esophagus. We also studied its role in esophageal protection using SMG-bearing pig esophagus in comparison to the rabbit esophagus, which is devoid of them.