Density Of Interstitial Cells Of Cajal Research Articles

Quantification of interstitial cells of Cajal and fibrosis during gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy and its association with clinical outcomes.

Background and study aims Alterations to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and collagen fibrosis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroparesis. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of pyloric muscle sampling during gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) and the association between pyloric ICC density and degree of fibrosis with clinical outcomes. Patients and methods This was a single-center prospective study of gastroparetic patients who underwent G-POEM and intraprocedural pyloric muscle biopsies between January 2022 and April 2023. ICC count was estimated using CD117 stain and trichome for collagen fibrosis. Clinical response to G-POEM was defined as an improvement of ≥ 1 point on the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index. Results Fifty-six patients (median age 60 years, 71.4% women) underwent G-POEM (100% technical success; 71.4% clinical response). ICC depletion (< 10/high-power field) and fibrosis were encountered in 70.4% and 75% of the cases, respectively. There was no difference in mean ICC count between G-POEM responders vs. non-responders (7±3.6 vs. 7.7±3.3; P = 0.9). There was no association between ICC density or degree of fibrosis with the etiology of gastroparesis, duration of symptoms, gastric emptying rate, or pyloric impedance planimetry. Patients who did not respond to G-POEM had a significantly higher degree of moderate/severe fibrosis when compared with those who responded (81.3% vs. 25%; P = 0.0002). Conclusions Pyloric muscle biopsies during G-POEM was feasible and safe. ICC depletion and pyloric muscle fibrosis are common in gastroparetic patients. The degree of fibrosis may be related to pyloric dysfunction and clinical response to G-POEM. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results.

Distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal and nerve fibers in rat stomach in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes mellitus

Diabetic peristalsis disorders are common complications in diabetes mellitus type 2. Disturbance of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) caused by metabolic changes in diabetes could explain the symptoms of diabetic gastroenteropathy. Although heterogenous interstitial cell types represent only 5% of the cell population of the muscle layer in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), they are important for conducting electrical signals and regulating muscle excitability. The aim of this study was to investigate the alterations of the myenteric and intramuscular ICCs in the gaster of rats with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2), as well as determine their distribution in relation to smooth muscle cells and enteric nerve structures. Male Wistar rats were used and DT2 was induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA) application. The stomach specimens were exposed to type III transmembrane tyrosine kinase (c-KIT), neurofilament (NF-M) protein and desmin antibodies to investigate the ICC, enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells. Morphological changes of the cells were quantified by the numerical areal density of intramuscular ICC, the ICC score of myenteric ICC and the volume density of nerve fibers. In conclusion, a statistically significant decrease in the number of intramuscular ICC and myenteric ICC without nerve fiber loss were observed in all stomach regions in rats with STZ-NA-induced DMT2.

Recording and analysis of slow waves of the small intestine of mice with heart failure.

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in heart failure (HF) patients are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that HF reduces bioelectrical activity underlying peristalsis. In this study, we aimed to establish a method to capture and analyze slow waves (SW) in the small intestine in mice with HF. We established a model of HF secondary to coronary artery disease in mice overexpressing tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) in endothelial cells. The myoelectric activity was recorded from the small intestine in live animals under anesthesia. The low- and high-frequency components of SW were isolated in MATLAB and compared between the control (n=12) and eTNAP groups (n=8). C-kit-positive interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and Pgp9.5-positive myenteric neurons were detected by immunofluorescence. Myenteric ganglia were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. SW activity was successfully captured in vivo, with both high- and low-frequency components. Low-frequency component of SW was not different between endothelial TNAP (eTNAP) and control mice (mean[95% CI]: 0.032[0.025-0.039] vs. 0.040[0.028-0.052]). High-frequency component of SW showed a reduction eTNAP mice relative to controls (0.221[0.140-0.302] vs. 0.394[0.295-0.489], p < 0.01). Dysrhythmia was also apparent upon visual review of signals. The density of ICC and neuronal networks remained the same between the two groups. No significant reduction in the size of myenteric ganglia of eTNAP mice was observed. A method to acquire SW activity from small intestines in vivo and isolate low- and high-frequency components was established. The results indicate that HF might be associated with reduced high-frequency SW activity.

The influence of interstitial cells of Cajal density in the outcomes of pyeloplasty in adults: A prospective analysis.

To evaluate if the density of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) influences the outcomes of pyeloplasty in adults. Twenty-three patients with the diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) that underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty were included. ICC density was measured using immunohistochemistry reaction for c-KIT expression in the resected UPJ segment. Pyeloplasty outcome was evaluated by patient self-report pain, urinary outflow using DTPA renogram and hydronephrosis assessment using ultrasound (US) at 12 months of follow-up. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of pyeloplasty outcomes and ICC density. Low, moderate, and high ICC density were present in 17.4%, 30.4%, and 52.2% of the patients, respectively. Complete pain resolution was observed in 100%, 85.7%, and 75% of patients with low, moderate and high ICC density, respectively (p = 0.791). DTPA renogram improved in 75%, 85.7%, and 91.7% of patients with low, moderate and high ICC density, respectively (p = 0.739). Hydronephrosis improved in 25%, 85.7%, and 91.7% of patients with low, moderate and high ICC density, respectively (p = 0.032). Patients with high ICC density have a significant amelioration of hydronephrosis after pyeloplasty. However, ICC density is not associated with functional outcomes.

Distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal in the Esophagus and change in distribution after thoracic trauma.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) function as pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Acute thoracic trauma is a common and lethal cause of death due to physical trauma caused by traffic accidents. This study aimed to explore the distribution of esophageal ICCs and distribution changes observed after acute thoracic trauma. Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into a control group and two study groups. The control group animals underwent an esophagectomy. All animals in the study groups underwent right chest puncture using the Hopkinson bar technique. The study groups were subjected to esophagectomy 24 and 72h after chest puncture. Distribution, morphology, and density of esophageal ICCs were detected using transmission electron microscopy, toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis of esophageal ICCs was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling assay. Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect changes in the SCF/c-kit signaling pathway. Esophageal ICCs distribution and SCF/c-kit signal pathway decreased from the upper part to the lower part in both physiological state and after thoracic trauma. In contrast, death of ICCs increased from the upper part to the lower part, both in physiological and injured state (P < 0.05). After thoracic trauma, increased ICCs and decreased death of ICCs in all parts of the esophagus (P < 0.05) were observed. The observed distribution and changes in esophageal ICCs would have an impact on motility and motility disorders of the esophagus.

Changes in esophagus interstitial cells of Cajal in response to acute stress

Background Thoracic trauma is common, and traffic accident-related traumatic injury can cause acute stress leading to esophageal motility disorders. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are regarded as gastrointestinal pacemaker cells. Aim This study explored the mechanism underlying changes in lower esophagus ICCs under acute stress conditions. Methods Fifty adult rabbits, randomly divided into one healthy control and four study groups, were subjected to right chest puncture using a Hopkinson bar. Thereafter, one group was immediately subjected to lower esophagectomy, whereas the other three groups were maintained for 24, 48 and 72 h after puncture and subjected to lower esophagectomy. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect ICC distribution, morphology and density, and TUNEL assays were used to determine ICC apoptosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to measure cortisol, epinephrine, dopamine, IL-9, cholecystokinin (CCK) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Western blotting and RT-PCR were performed to detect changes in SCF/c-kit and nNOS pathways. Results After puncture, lung tissue was hemorrhaged, alveoli in puncture areas were destroyed, esophageal pH was decreased, and serum cortisol, epinephrine and dopamine levels increased. ICC numbers increased and apoptotic ICCs decreased in all stress groups after puncture (all p < .01). IL-9, CCK and VIP levels in lower esophagus tissue were increased after puncture (all p < .01). Moreover, SCF/c-kit and nNOS pathways were upregulated in response to stress (all p < .01). Conclusions Acute stress promotes increases in lower esophageal ICCs that might affect esophagus ICC functions and esophageal motility.

Supervised Machine Learning Segmentation and Quantification of Gastric Pacemaker Cells.

Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) are specialized pacemaker cells that generate and actively propagate electrophysiological events called slow waves. Slow waves regulate the motility of the gastrointestinal tract necessary for digesting food. Degradation in the ICC network structure has been qualitatively associated to several gastrointestinal motility disorders. ICC network structure can be obtained using confocal microscopy, but the current limitations in imaging and segmentation techniques have hindered an accurate representation of the networks. In this study, supervised machine learning techniques were applied to extract the ICC networks from 3D confocal microscopy images. The results showed that the Fast Random Forest classification method using Trainable WEKA Segmentation outperformed the Decision Table and Naïve Bayes classification methods in sensitivity, accuracy, and F-measure. Using the Fast Random Forest classifier, 12 gastric antrum tissue blocks were segmented and variations in ICC network thickness, density and process width were quantified for the myenteric plexus ICC network (the primary pacemakers). Our findings demonstrated regional variation in ICC network density and thickness along the circumferential and longitudinal axis of the mouse antrum. An inverse relationship was observed in the distal and proximal antrum for density (proximal: 9.8±4.0% vs distal: 7.6±4.6%) and thickness (proximal: 15±3 μm vs distal: 24±10 μm). Limited variation in ICC process width was observed throughout the antrum (5±1 μm).Clinical Relevance- Detailed quantification of regional ICC structural properties will provide insights into the relationship between ICC structure, slow waves and resultant gut motility. This will improve techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of functional GI motility disorders.

Association between interstitial cells of Cajal and anti-vinculin antibody in human stomach.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are known as the pacemaker cells of gastrointestinal tract, and it has been reported that acute gastroenteritis induces intestinal dysmotility through antibody to vinculin, a cytoskeletal protein in gut, resulting in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, so that anti-vinculin antibody can be used as a biomarker for irritable bowel syndrome. This study aimed to determine correlation between serum anti-vinculin antibody and ICC density in human stomach. Gastric specimens from 45 patients with gastric cancer who received gastric surgery at Kangwon National University Hospital from 2013 to 2017 were used. ICC in inner circular muscle, and myenteric plexus were counted. Corresponding patient's blood samples were used to determine the amount of anti-vinculin antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis was done to determine correlation between anti-vinculin antibody and ICC numbers. Patients with elevated anti-vinculin antibody titer (above median value) had significantly lower number of ICC in inner circular muscle (71.0 vs. 240.5, p = 0.047), and myenteric plexus (12.0 vs. 68.5, p < 0.01) compared to patients with lower anti-vinculin antibody titer. Level of serum anti-vinculin antibody correlated significantly with density of ICC in myenteric plexus (r = −0.379, p = 0.01; Spearman correlation). Increased level of circulating anti-vinculin antibody was significantly correlated with decreased density of ICC in myenteric plexus of human stomach.

Comparison of different pathological markers in predicting pyeloplasty outcomes in children

PurposeTo compare the efficacy of pathological markers like Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), neurons and Collagen to Muscle ratio (CM ratio), in predicting pyeloplasty outcomes. MethodsHistological sections from 31 patients with UPJO were analyzed for ICC & neurons on immuno-histochemistry and CM ratio on Masson's trichrome staining. Post-operative outcomes were analyzed at 1-year follow up; expressed as excellent, moderate or mild improvement, static and deterioration based on the three factors: ultrasound grade, differential renal function and renogram drainage pattern. The pathological findings were correlated with clinical outcomes. ResultsThe study group (n = 31) had a mean age 2.9 (0.6) years (M: F = 22:9). UPJ segment had significantly less ICC/neurons and more collagen compared to normal ureter (p = 0.001). Pathological parameters at the anastomosed end of ureter had a better correlation than those at UPJ with clinical outcome. CM ratio with a stronger correlation (r = − 0.94; p = 0.001) was a better predictor of prognosis than ICC (r = 0.76; p = 0.01) or neuron (r = 0.83; p = 0.01) density. ICC >10/HPF, neurons >6/HPF and CM ratio <1.2 at ureteric end anastomosed were predictors of success. ConclusionsCM ratio analysis at anastomosed ureter is a superior marker for predicting pyeloplasty outcomes. Level of EvidenceType 2: Development of diagnostic criteria in a consecutive series of patients.

Abnormalities of the intestinal pacemaker cells, enteric neurons, and smooth muscle in intestinal atresia.

BACKGROUND:Small bowel atresia is a congenital disorder that carves a substantial morbidity. Numerous postoperative gastrointestinal motility problems occur. The underlying cause of this motility disorder is still unclear. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) play a major role in gastrointestinal motility.AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:To investigate the morphological changes of enteric nervous system and ICC in small bowel atresia.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Resected small bowel specimen from affected patients (n=15) were divided into three parts (proximal, distal, atretic). Standard histology and immunohistochemistry with anti C-KIT receptor antibody (CD117), calretinin and α-SMA was carried out. The density of myenteric ICCs in the proximal, atretic and distal parts was demonstrated by CD 117 while Calretinin was used for ganglion cells and nerve bundles, α-SMA highlighted muscle hypertrophy.RESULT AND CONCLUSION:The proximal and distal bowel revealed clear changes in the morphology and density of enteric nervous system and interstitial cells of Cajal..

Clinicopathological study of intestinal smooth muscles, interstitial cells of Cajal, and enteric neurons in neonatal jejuno-ileal atresia with special reference to muscle morphometry

PurposeTo assess the thickness of the intestinal smooth muscle layer and analyze the distribution and density of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and enteric neurons in the proximal and distal segments of neonatal jejuno-ileal atresia. MethodsThis is an observational study done over a period of one year in which fifteen cases of jejuno-ileal atresia were included. All the cases underwent laparotomy and resection of the atretic segment with variable portions of the dilated proximal segment and distal segment. Histopathological analysis was done on the sections taken from proximal segments (at 3 cm, 5 cm & 8 cm) and the distal segment (at 2 cm) from the atretic portion. The mean thickness of the inner circular muscle layer (ICML) and outer longitudinal muscle layer (OLML) was assessed in the above segments using image morphometry. In addition, we also analyzed the distribution and density of the ICCs and enteric neurons in the different segments using immunohistochemistry for c-kit and S-100, respectively. Controls included normal jejuno-ileal segments resected from postmortem cases (n=7) and other nonrelated surgeries (n=3). The findings were then compared with each-other and with normal controls. ResultsMean thickness of ICML and OLML of the proximal segments at 8 cm was significantly lower than at 3 cm and 5 cm of ileal and jejunal atresias (p≪ 0.5). The mean thickness of ICML and OLML of distal segments at 2 cm was similar to the controls in all the atretic cases (p≫ 0.5). The mean ICML thickness at proximal 8 cm segment was similar to the distal segment of both ileal & jejunal atresias (p= 0.06 & 0.37 respectively). The mean thickness of the OLML of the proximal 8 cm segments was significantly more than that at the distal segment (p=0.008) in ileal atresias but was similar in cases of jejunal atresias (p=0.07). Both the proximal and distal segments of ileal as well as jejunal atresias showed reduction in distribution and density of ICCs, as compared to normal controls. The density of ICCs in proximal segments at 3 cm and 5 cm was similar in both ileal (p=0.33) and jejunal segments (p=0.41) but was significantly lower than the proximal 8 cm segments (p≪0.05).The distribution of ICCs in the proximal segment at 8 cm was similar to the distal segments (p≪0.05). S-100 staining showed dense expression of neurons and glial cells with presence of submucosal giant ganglia within the proximal dilated segments as compared to the distal segments and the controls, which were more marked at 3 cm and 5 cm levels than at 8 cm level. ConclusionMuscle morphometry using image analysis is a simple technique to assess the thickness of the intestinal smooth muscle layers. There is significant smooth muscle hypertrophy along with marked alteration in density and distribution of ICCs and ENS in the dilated proximal segments up to 5 cm, and relatively milder changes at 8 cm levels, as compared to the distal segments and the controls. Type of studyPrognosis study. Level of evidenceLevel II.

Acute Cholecystitis Reduces Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Porcine Gallbladder Through Decreased mRNA Synthesis

Background/Aims: Acute cholecystitis is a common gastrointestinal disorder, often characterized by acute cholecystitis with gallbladder motility disorder. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are the pacemaker cells of gut motility in the gastrointestinal tract. Disruption of ICC function is related to motility disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ICCs in acute cholecystitis and after the resolution of acute inflammation. Materials and Methods: Fifty adult guinea pigs were randomly divided into five groups: a sham-administered group (control group); two groups that were intraperitoneally administered an anti-polyclonal neutrophil (PMN) antibody 24 h before common bile duct ligation (CBDL); and two groups of guinea pigs that were subjected to CBDL without receiving the PMN antibody. Guinea pigs that underwent CBDL were held for 24 h or 48 h after surgery before being subjected to laparotomy and cholecystectomy. Immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assays, western blotting, and real-time PCR were performed to determine ICC morphology and density, to detect ICC apoptosis, and to examine stem cell factor (SCF) and c-kit protein expression and SCF and c-kit mRNA levels, respectively. Results: Both hematoxylin-eosin staining and histological inflammation scores in the PMN groups were lower than those in the control groups (P < 0.01). No differences were observed in ICC morphology between groups. During acute cholecystitis, ICCs numbers were reduced. Conversely, the density of ICCs increased after inflammation was relieved (P < 0.01). In addition, SCF and c-kit protein and mRNA expression levels decreased during acute cholecystitis (P < 0.05) and increased after inflammation was relieved (P < 0.05). Furthermore, ICC apoptosis increased during acute cholecystitis and decreased after resolution of acute cholecystitis (P < 0.01). Conclusions: In acute cholecystitis, ICC injury may be related to gallbladder motility disorder.

Reduced interstitial cells of Cajal and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes are associated with development of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in post-infectious IBS mouse model

Objective: Intestinal dysmotility and immune activation are likely involved in the pathogenesis of small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We aimed at investigating the role of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and intestinal inflammation in the development of SIBO using a post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS) mouse model.Materials and methods: NIH mice were randomly infected with Trichinella spiralis. Visceral sensitivity and stool pattern were assessed at 8-weeks post-infection (PI). Intestinal bacteria counts from jejunum and ileum were measured by quantitative real-time PCR to evaluate the presence of SIBO. ICC density, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) counts, and intestinal cytokine levels (IL1-β, IL-6, toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), IL-10) in the ileum were examined.Results: PI-IBS mice demonstrated increased visceral sensitivity compared with the control group. One-third of the PI-IBS mice developed SIBO (SIBO+/PI-IBS) and was more likely to have abnormal stool form compared with SIBO negative PI-IBS (SIBO−/PI-IBS) mice but without difference in visceral sensitivity. SIBO+/PI-IBS mice had decreased ICC density and increased IELs counts in the ileum compared with SIBO−/PI-IBS mice. No difference in inflammatory cytokine expression levels were detected among the groups except for increased TLR-4 in PI-IBS mice compared with the control group.Conclusions: Development of SIBO in PI-IBS mice was associated with reduced ICC density and increased IELs counts in the ileum. Our findings support the role of intestinal dysmotility and inflammation in the pathogenesis of SIBO in IBS and may provide potential therapeutic targets.

Anorectal Malformations: Histomorphological and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Neuronal Dysfunction.

Objective :The patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) have been identified with specific and non-specific pathological changes. The present study was conducted with the aim to study histomorphological changes and various immunohistochemical (IHC) markers (calretinin, S-100, CD117) in intestinal wall specimens to assess neuronal dysfunction in ARM patients.Material and methods :Thirty children having ARM were included in our study. In all the cases, a representative biopsy was received. The tissue sections were processed and wax blocks were prepared. Various histopathological changes were examined on routine H&E. Representative sections were further subjected to IHC staining for ganglion cells (calretinin), interstitial cells of Cajal (CD117) and nerve bundles (S-100 protein). Descriptive variables were analyzed to assess neuronal dysfunction in cases of ARM. Chi-square was used to compare the categorical values. P-value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.Results :Biopsies were studied for histological changes using H&E stain. The most frequently observed histological finding in mucosa was inflammation and congestion in 87% and 67% of cases respectively. Disrupted muscularis mucosa was observed in 60%, eroded mucosa in 57%, and hemorrhage in 40% of cases. Submucosal inflammation and congestion were most common finding observed in submucosa in 87% and 80% cases respectively. CD117 was used to demonstrate altered density and distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in cases of ARM. Majority of them belong to grade 2+ category (n=17, 57%) followed by grade 1+ (n=8, 17%) for ICC cells. Altered density and distribution of ICC was observed in ARM which was statistically significant (p=0.02).Conclusion :The malformed segments in ARM show various specific and non-specific histomorphological changes. Examination of H&E sections along with IHC stains evaluation can minimize need for repeated biopsies and unnecessary radical treatment. CD117 immunohistochemistry is reliable adjunctive test in evaluation of ICC in motility disorders of bowel. Calretinin is good marker for identification of ganglion cells. In ARM, density and distribution of ICCs is significantly altered which can explain postoperative dysmotility.

Phosphodiesterase 3A: a new player in development of interstitial cells of Cajal and a prospective target in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

We previously identified phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A) as a marker for interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in adult mouse gut. However, PDE3A expression and function during gut development and in ICC-derived gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) remained unknown. Here we found that PDE3A was expressed throughout ICC development and that ICC density was halved in PDE3A-deficient mice. In the human imatinib-sensitive GIST882 cell line, the PDE3 inhibitor cilostazol halved cell viability (IC50 0.35 μM) and this effect synergized with imatinib (Chou-Talalay's CI50 0.15). Recently the compound 6-(4-(diethylamino)-3-nitrophenyl)-5-methyl-4,5-dihydropyridazin-3(2H)-one, or DNMDP was found to be cytotoxic selectively for cells expressing both PDE3A and Schlafen12 (SLFN12) (de Waal L et al. Nat Chem Bio 2016), identifying a new, non-catalytic, role for PDE3A. 108 out of 117 (92%) of our human GIST samples displayed both PDE3A and SLFN12 immunoreactivity. GIST882 cells express both PDE3A and SLFN12 and DNMDP decreased their viability by 90%. Our results suggest a role for PDE3A during ICC development and open novel perspectives for PDE3A in targeted GIST therapy, on one hand by the synergism between imatinib and cilostazol, a PDE3 inhibitor already in clinical use for other indications, and, on the other hand, by the neomorphic, druggable, PDE3A-SLFN12 cytotoxic interplay.

Stem Cell Factor/Kit Signal Insufficiency Contributes to Hypoxia-Induced Intestinal Motility Dysfunctions in Neonatal Mice.

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders represent a group of problems that more constantly encountered in preterm infants. However, whether hypoxia exposure contributes to the GI dysfunctions is still unclear. Newborn mice were exposed to hypoxia (10%) from P1 to P7. Intestinal motilities were examined by a strain gauge transducer. The proliferation of ICCs was detected by using immunostaining for BrdU, Ki67, Kit, Ano1, and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R+). Smooth muscle cells and enteric neurons were revealed by immunostaining for α-SMA and NF200, respectively. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. Kit signal pathway was examined by western blot and qPCR. Intestinal motilities were found weakened significantly in the hypoxic small intestines as compared to controls on P8. Kit+ or Ano1+ interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) were found obviously decreased in the myenteric ICCs (ICC-MY) of neonatal mice after exposed to hypoxia. A large number of ICC progenitors (IGF-1R+) were found highly mitotic (BrdU+ Ki67+) to populate ICC during early postnatal development in the normoxic mice. We found the ICC proliferation was significantly inhibited upon hypoxia exposure, without increasing apoptosis (TUNEL+). We next identified that Kit phosphorylation was inhibited 3days after hypoxia exposure. The inhibition of Kit signaling was largely due to decreased the expression of the ligand of Kit receptor, stem cell factor (SCF), in the intestinal walls. Exposure to imatinib, a Kit receptor inhibitor, for 3days from P4 phenocopied the effect of hypoxia on the neonatal pups that resulted in inhibited intestinal motilities and decreased Kit+ ICC numbers. All together, our findings indicate the SCF/Kit signaling insufficiency may contribute to the underdevelopment of ICCs and intestinal motility dysfunction upon hypoxia exposure. The decease in ICC density is likely due to the cell cycle arrest of ICC progenitor cells.

Pathological changes of interstitial cells of Cajal and ganglion cells in the segment of resected bowel in Hirschsprung's disease.

This study was conducted to investigate the pathological changes which occur in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and ganglion cells found in segments of resected bowel obtained from patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD), as well as to explore the benefits of using a contrast enema (CE) with 24-h delayed X-ray films to predict the length of resected bowel. We performed a retrospective analysis of 58 children with HD who had undergone the pull-through procedure. After each operation, the ICCs and ganglion cells present in the proximal ends of the barium residue (Level A) and resected proximal bowel segment (Level B) were analyzed using immunohistochemical staining methods. Each patient was followed up for 1year to record their stool frequency, defecation control ability, and post-surgical complications which may have occurred. Immunohistochemical staining detected fewer ICCs in Level A than in Level B (p<0.05). However, the density of ganglion cells in the two levels was not significantly different (p>0.05). One patient had anastomotic stricture, and five patients suffered from enterocolitis. The density of ICCs was significantly lower in the bowel segments that displayed barium retention. A CE may be a valuable tool for predicting the length of bowel resection in patients with HD.

The Role of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Acute Cholecystitis in Guinea Pig Gallbladder

Background/Aims: Acute cholecystitis is common in gallbladder motility disorder. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in the gallbladder are involved in the regulation of gallbladder motility. The aim of this study was to explore the change of gallbladder ICCs in acute cholecystitis. Methods: Thirty adult guinea pigs were randomly divided into 3 groups: a sham-operated group (healthy controls) and 2 study groups. The animals in the study group were subjected to bile duct ligation and then to laparotomy and cholecystectomy at 24 and 48 hours after surgery. Immunohistochemistry, immunohistofluorescence, and laser confocal microscopy were performed to observe the shape, size, morphology, and density of gallbladder ICCs. Western blot and real-time PCR were performed to detect stem cell factor and c-kit protein and mRNA expression, respectively. Results: There were no differences in the shape, size, and morphology of the gallbladder ICCs in the control and the two acute cholecystitis groups. Density of gallbladder ICCs, SCF level, and c-kit protein and mRNA expression all decreased in the acute cholecystitis groups. Further, SCF level and c-kit protein and mRNA expression decreased with progress of acute cholecystitis (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Acute cholecystitis can decrease ICCs through repression of SCF and c-kit expression and that ICCs loss play a role in acute cholecystitis.

Restoration of density of interstitial cells of Cajal in the jejunum of diabetic rats after quercetin supplementation.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are required for normal motility in the gastrointestinal tract. Depletion of ICC has been associated with diabetic gastroenteropathy. To determine the effect of quercertin supplementation on anoctamin-1 (Ano1) immunoreactive ICC in the myenteric region (ICC-MY) and deep muscular plexus (ICC-DMP) in the jejunum of diabetic rats. Thirty-two 90-day-old male Wistar rats were distributed into the following groups: normoglycemic (C), normoglycemic supplemented with quercetin (CQ; 40 mg daily), diabetic (D), and diabetic supplemented with quercetin (DQ; 40 mg daily). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection. After 120 days, preparations of the jejunal muscular and submucosal layers were immunostained for Ano1 to visualize ICC. Evaluation of the immunofluorescence intensity as well as density of ICC was performed. The density of ICC-MY was 46% lower in group D compared to group C (p < 0.01); ICC-DMP were reduced by 37% (p > 0.05). After quercertin treatment, the densities of ICC-MY were significantly higher in the DQ group compared to group D (ICC-MY: 58%, p < 0.05). Supplementation with quercetin in normoglycemic animals (CQ) compared with group C did not significantly change the ICC density (p > 0.05). In STZ-treated diabetic rats, diabetes promoted a reduction in the density of jejunal ICC-MY with no significant effect on ICC-DMP. Supplementation with quercetin (DQ) appeared to protect ICC-MY from depletion in diabetes possibly due to its antioxidant action.

Morphological changes in the colonic muscular layer and interstitial cells of Cajal in experimental acute ulcerative colitis

to investigate morphological changes in the muscular layer and an intermuscular population of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in acute ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Acute colitis was induced by 3% DSS (molecular weight 40 kDa) in drinking water for 5 days; a control animal group was given tap water. Longitudinal colonic sections were histologically examined. Immunofluorescence staining of total preparations with antibodies to c-Kit was employed to assess an ICC population. Morphological examination showed a morphological pattern of acute ulcerative colitis in the DSS-treated mice. The colonic muscular layer was thickened and the cytoplasm of smooth muscle cells was vacuolated. There was a decrease in ICC network density and counts in the muscular layer, as well as a specific c-Kit positive granularity in the ICC bodies and processes. In acute ulcerative colitis, there are alternative changes in the colonic muscular layer and a decrease in ICC density.