The rat model of GERD was created in accordance with
the methods of Omura et al.3 In brief, rats were fasted overnight
and anesthetized by ether inhalation. Their abdomen
was opened via a 3-cm-long midline incision and a strip of
18-Fr Nelaton catheter was tied around the pyloric sphincter
to restrict gastric emptying. The transitional region between
the forestomach and the glandular portion (limiting ridge)
was ligated with 2-0 silk thread . The animals were
fasted for another 48 hours, but allowed to drink water. The
control rats received only a midline incision