The opossum esophagus is commonly used as an animal model of the human esophagus. We used esophageal manometry in normal animals to provide basal data about normal esophageal motor functions in vivo in this species. At rest, separate and distinct high pressure zones can be recorded at the level of the lower esophageal sphincter, diaphragmatic hiatus, aortic arch, and upper esophageal sphincter. Each zone demonstrates a characteristic pattern of pressures in the radii of the coronal section and a characteristic response to swallowing. The hiatal and aortic zones can be mistaken for the esophageal sphincters. Pressures in the sphincters fall with swallowing. Peristalsis is not bolus-dependent and occurs with 98% of swallows. Pressures generated by peristalsis are greater in the middle of the esophagus than at the ends. Values for resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure and the characteristics of peristalsis were reproducible between different studies in the same animals.
