In vitro modelling of the mucosa of the oesophagus and upper digestive tract: narrative review

: This review discusses the utility and limitations of model gut systems in accurately modelling mucosa digestive tract from both an anatomical functional perspective, with a particular focus on oesophagus upper tract, what this means for effective vitro oesophageal pathology. Disorders include heartburn, dysphagia, eosinophilic oesophagitis, achalasia, spasm gastroesophageal reflux disease. 3D models oesophagus, such as organotypic culture spheroid culture, have been shown to be tools investigating However, these are not integrated tract—presenting opportunity future development. Reflux gastrointestinal contents is major contributor pathologies like disease Barratt’s essential understanding their mechanisms developing solutions. The current only limited oesophagus. Integration mucus covered epithelia stomach small intestine often considered at all. In paper we discuss structure function approaches layer isolation, cell models. We identify need relevant viscoelastic properties its protective allow complete integration modelling. Addressing integrating those presents better physiology pathophysiology where fluids involved.