Abstract
Decrease of Nitrergic Innervation in the Esophagus of Patients with Chagas Disease: Correlation with Loss of Interstitial Cells of Cajal
Highlights
Chagas disease is caused by the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and affects approximately 6-7 millions individuals in Latin America still today [1]
Using one antibody specific for neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase and another specific for Protein Gene Product 9.5 (PGP-9.5), which is a pan-neuronal marker, we demonstrated the relative area of nitrergic innervation
Considering data from the literature, we raised the hypothesis that the loss of nitrergic nerve fibers and ICCs could be view as an interdependent phenomenon occurring in the esophagus of T. cruzi infected individuals and that it could contribute to peristalsis disturbances, to achalasia and to megaesophagus development
Summary
Chagas disease is caused by the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and affects approximately 6-7 millions individuals in Latin America still today [1]. Structural damage of the Enteric Nervous System (ENS), denervation above 90% in the myenteric plexus [7], ganglionitis and periganglionitis have been widely described in the digestive form of Chagas disease [8,9]. It is well known, that motility regulation in the GI tract and lower esophageal sphincter relaxation is influenced by neuromediators, as Nitric Oxide (NO), and by Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICCs) [10,11,12,13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Pathology and Clinical Research
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
