High yield reproducible rat model recapitulating human Barrett’s carcinogenesis

Figure 1 Study schema representing the major steps in the experimental design. qRT-PCR: Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Figure 2 Diagram of modified Levrat model and images of the main steps of the surgical procedure. A: Illustration of end-to-side esophagojejunostomy with gastric preservation; B: Esophagus is mobilized, preserving the left and right vagus nerves; C: Esophagus divided from the stomach after ligation of gastroesophageal junction; D: Anterior esophageal suture placed through muscle and mucosa layers, allowing proper visualization of mucosa; E: Anterior and lateral esophageal sutures intact, creating visualization of the lumen; F: Completed anastomosis between the distal esophagus and jejunum with eight interrupted full-thickness sutures; G: Anastomosis returned to anatomical location wrapped in omentum.

Figure 3 HE staining of esophageal disease progression (× 10). A: Normal rat esophagus; B: Esophagitis; C: BE with goblet cells; D: Dysplasia; E: EAC. EAC: Esophageal adenocarcinoma; BE: Barrett’s esophagus.

Figure 4 Primary esophageal adenocarcinoma tumor (A) and respective liver metastasis (B), as grossly observed in a 40-wk post-surgical rat.

Figure 5 Panel A to D represents the relative gene expression level of MUC2, MUC5AC, CK19, and CK20 for each esophageal disease level, respectively. BE: Barrett’s esophagus; EAC: esophageal adenocarcinoma.