Severe esophagitis is associated with motor abnormalities in the esophageal body and lower esophageal sphincter. Reflux disease involves repeated episodes of mucosal inflammation and spontaneous or treatment-induced healing. The aims of this study were a) to further assess changes induced by acute esophagitis on esophageal peristalsis, tone and shortening and b) to assess the effect of repeated sequences of acute esophagitis-healing on these motor parameters. Methods: Experiments were performed on adult cats. Esophageal manometry and barostat were performed before, at 24hrs and every 7 days after intraesophageal acid perfusion (0.1N HCl, 80min). Esophageal length was measured during manometry and compliance of the esophageal body was assessed with barostat. Identical protocol was performed 8 and 16 weeks after the first acid perfusion. The degree of esophageal mucosal damage was evaluated by endoscopy, histopathology and MPO activity measurement. Results: Acid perfusion induced severe esophagitis. At 24hrs, distal peristaltic contractions disappeared; LES pressure was reduced by 60%; esophageal length was 1-2 cm shorter and esophageal compliance was reduced by 30%. Most parameters recovered in 4 weeks. Subsequent repeated acute injuries induced similar endoscopic esophagitis but different pattern of inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in the mucosa and muscle layers resulting in milder motor disturbances. Conclusions: Acute experimental esophagitis provokes severe but reversible hypomotility. Spaced repeated acute injuries provoke milder motor effects suggesting an adaptive response.