الفهرس 
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Abstract
Kefir is a fermented milk beverage produced by the action of a complex mixture of microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeasts and acetic acid bacteria. It has certainly been shown to contain various functional properties such as antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, probiotic and others. It provides healthful benefits in the cholesterol lowering effects and improved lactose tolerance.
The esophageal burns caused by corrosive substances are of great importance since serious pathologies such as mucosal burns in esophagus, ulcer and perforation may occur.
The present work aimed to investigate the effect of sodium hydroxide on the histology of the esophagus of the adult male albino rats and evaluate the possible curative role of kefir.
Thirty-Six adult male albino rats were used in this study. The rats were randomized into four groups:
The control group was further subdivided into two subgroups (I a served as a negative control, I b received one ml of kefir once daily orally), the corrosive esophagitis group (rats received one ml of 5% NaOH orally and sacrificed on the same day), spontaneous healing group (rats received one ml of 5% NaOH orally for seven days) and the kefir treated group was further subdivided into two subgroups (IV a received one ml of kefir once daily orally for one day, IV b received one ml of kefir once daily orally for seven days).
At the end of experiment, rats were euthanized. The obtained esophageal specimens were processed into paraffin blocks and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) Masson’s Trichrome and Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) then examined with light microscope. Other specimens were processed for scanning electron microscopic examination.
In the present work, the epithelium of the control group was keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. In the corrosive esophagitis group, erosion of the epithelial covering with shedding of the epithelial cells in the lumen were apparent. Loss of keratin layer was observed in some areas. Moreover, multiple surface erosions and distortion to the folds with wide gaps in between were detected by the scanning electron microscopy.
Regarding the kefir treated group for one day, there was intense cellular infiltrate in the lamina propria. In the kefir treated group for seven days, normal appearance of the surface mucosa was detected in many areas with restoration of keratin layer.
Regarding the spontaneous healing group, thinning of mucosal layers was noticed and marked increase of collagen fibers deposition were detected.