Expression Of Stem Cell Factor Research Articles

Changes in mast cell number and stem cell factor expression in human skin after radiotherapy for breast cancer

Background and purposeMast cells are involved in the pathogenesis of radiation fibrosis and may be a therapeutic target. The mechanism of increased mast cell number in relation to acute and late tissue responses in human skin was investigated. Materials and methodsPunch biopsies of skin 1 and 15–18months after breast radiotherapy and a contralateral control biopsy were collected. Mast cells were quantified by immunohistochemistry using the markers c-Kit and tryptase. Stem cell factor (SCF) and collagen-1 expression was analysed by qRT-PCR. Clinical photographic scores were performed at post-surgical baseline and 18months and 5years post-radiotherapy. Primary human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HDMEC) cultures were exposed to 2Gy ionising radiation and p53 and SCF expression was analysed by Western blotting and ELISA. ResultsDermal mast cell numbers were increased at 1 (p=0.047) and 18months (p=0.040) using c-Kit, and at 18months (p=0.024) using tryptase immunostaining. Collagen-1 mRNA in skin was increased at 1month (p=0.047) and 18months (p=0.032) and SCF mRNA increased at 1month (p=0.003). None of 16 cases scored had a change in photographic appearance at 5years, compared to baseline. SCF expression was not increased in HDMECs irradiated in vitro. ConclusionsIncreased mast cell number was associated with up-regulated collagen-1 expression in human skin at early and late time points. This increase could be secondary to elevated SCF expression at 1month after radiotherapy. Although mast cells accumulate around blood vessels, no endothelial cell secretion of SCF was seen after in vitro irradiation. Modification of mast cell number and collagen-1 expression may be observed in skin at 1 and 18months after radiotherapy in breast cancer patients with no change in photographic breast appearance at 5years.

Foxc1 is a critical regulator of haematopoietic stem/progenitor cell niche formation

Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are maintained by special microenvironments known as niches in bone marrow. Many studies have identified diverse candidate cells that constitute niches for haematopoietic stem cells in the marrow, including osteoblasts, endothelial cells, Schwann cells, α-smooth muscle actin-expressing macrophages and mesenchymal progenitors such as CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)12-abundant reticular (CAR) cells, stem cell factor-expressing cells, nestin-expressing cells and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFR-α)(+)Sca-1(+)CD45(-)Ter119(-) (PαS) cells. However, the molecular basis of the formation of the niches remains unclear. Here we find that the transcription factor Foxc1 is preferentially expressed in the adipo-osteogenic progenitor CAR cells essential for haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell maintenance in vivo in the developing and adult bone marrow. When Foxc1 was deleted in all marrow mesenchymal cells or CAR cells, from embryogenesis onwards, osteoblasts appeared normal, but haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells were markedly reduced and marrow cavities were occupied by adipocytes (yellow adipose marrow) with reduced CAR cells. Inducible deletion of Foxc1 in adult mice depleted haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and reduced CXCL12 and stem cell factor expression in CAR cells but did not induce a change to yellow marrow. These data suggest a role for Foxc1 in inhibiting adipogenic processes in CAR progenitors. Foxc1 might also promote CAR cell development, upregulating CXCL12 and stem cell factor expression. This study identifies Foxc1 as a specific transcriptional regulator essential for development and maintenance of the mesenchymal niches for haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.

Astrocytes require insulin-like growth factor I to protect neurons against oxidative injury

Oxidative stress is a proposed mechanism in brain aging, making the study of its regulatory processes an important aspect of current neurobiological research. In this regard, the role of the aging regulator insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in brain responses to oxidative stress remains elusive as both beneficial and detrimental actions have been ascribed to this growth factor.Because astrocytes protect neurons against oxidative injury, we explored whether IGF-I participates in astrocyte neuroprotection and found that blockade of the IGF-I receptor in astrocytes abrogated their rescuing effect on neurons. We found that IGF-I directly protects astrocytes against oxidative stress (H 2O 2). Indeed, in astrocytes but not in neurons, IGF-I decreases the pro-oxidant protein thioredoxin-interacting protein 1 and normalizes the levels of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, IGF-I cooperates with trophic signals produced by astrocytes in response to H 2O 2 such as stem cell factor (SCF) to protect neurons against oxidative insult. After stroke, a condition associated with brain aging where oxidative injury affects peri-infarcted regions, a simultaneous increase in SCF and IGF-I expression was found in the cortex, suggesting that a similar cooperative response takes place in vivo. Cell-specific modulation by IGF-I of brain responses to oxidative stress may contribute in clarifying the role of IGF-I in brain aging.

Astrocytes require insulin-like growth factor I to protect neurons against oxidative injury

Oxidative stress is a proposed mechanism in brain aging, making the study of its regulatory processes an important aspect of current neurobiological research. In this regard, the role of the aging regulator insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in brain responses to oxidative stress remains elusive as both beneficial and detrimental actions have been ascribed to this growth factor. Because astrocytes protect neurons against oxidative injury, we explored whether IGF-I participates in astrocyte neuroprotection and found that blockade of the IGF-I receptor in astrocytes abrogated their rescuing effect on neurons.We found that IGF-I directly protects astrocytes against oxidative stress (H 2O 2). Indeed, in astrocytes but not in neurons, IGF-I decreases the pro-oxidant protein thioredoxin-interacting protein 1 and normalizes the levels of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, IGF-I cooperates with trophic signals produced by astrocytes in response to H 2O 2 such as stem cell factor (SCF) to protect neurons against oxidative insult. After stroke, a condition associated with brain aging where oxidative injury affects peri-infarcted regions, a simultaneous increase in SCF and IGF-I expression was found in the cortex, suggesting that a similar cooperative response takes place in vivo. Cell-specific modulation by IGF-I of brain responses to oxidative stress may contribute in clarifying the role of IGF-I in brain aging.

Action Mechanism of Chamaecyparis obtusa Oil on Hair Growth

This study was carried out to examine the action mechanism of Chamaecyparis obtusa oil (CO) on hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. For alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) activities in the skin tissue, at week 4, the 3% minoxidil (MXD) and 3% CO treatment groups showed an ALP activity that was significantly higher by 85% (p < 0.001) and 48% (p < 0.05) and an γ-GT activity that was significantly higher by 294% (p < 0.01) and 254% (p < 0.05) respectively, as compared to the saline (SA) treatment group. For insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA expression in the skin tissue, at week 4, the MXD and CO groups showed a significantly higher expression by 204% (p < 0.05) and 426% (p < 0.01) respectively, as compared to the SA group. At week 4, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the MXD and CO groups showed a significantly higher expression by 74% and 96% (p < 0.05) respectively, however, epidermal growth factor (EGF) expression in the MXD and CO groups showed a significantly lower expression by 66% and 61% (p < 0.05) respectively, as compared to the SA group. Stem cell factor (SCF) expression in the MXD and CO groups was observed by immunohistochemistry as significant in a part of the bulge around the hair follicle and in a part of the basal layer of the epidermis. Taking all the results together, on the basis of effects on ALP and γ-GT activity, and the expression of IGF-1, VEGF and SCF, which are related to the promotion of hair growth, it can be concluded that CO induced a proliferation and division of hair follicle cells and maintained the anagen phase. Because EGF expression was decreased significantly, CO could delay the transition to the catagen phase.

Role and mechanism of tranilast preventing the progression of tubulointerstilial fibrosis in diabetic kidney diseases

To determine the role and mechanism of tranilast preventing the progression of tubulointerstilial fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=6), DKD model group (n=8), low dose tranilast group [200 mg/(kg.d), n=8], and high dose tranilast group [400 mg/(kg.d), n=8]. Tranilast was administered daily after the model was built. Rats were sacrificed at day 56, 24 hour urine was collected to measure 24-hour urine albumin excretion, and blood was collected to determine the renal function and serum albumin. Then the kidneys were harvested and subjected to studies. The expression of C3aR, E-cadherin, α-SMA, fibronectin(FN), collagen I (Col I), stem cell factor (SCF) and c-kit were detected by immunohistochemical staining respectively. The expression of E-cadherin, α-SMA, FN, Col I, SCF and c-kit protein was analyzed by Western blot, and the expression of FN, Col I, SCF and c-kit mRNA was examined by RT-PCR. Tranilast can inhibit the infiltration of mast cells in the kidneys of DKD rats. The expression of α-SMA in the kidneys of DKD rats inereased significantly (P<0.05), while the expression of E-cadherin decreased (P<0.05). Tranilast increased the expression of E-cadherin and decreased the expression of α-SMA in the prophase of DKD dose dependently. The expressions of FN and Col I were increased in the tubulointerstitial fields in DKD model rats (P<0.05). After the tranilast treatment, these changes were relieved to a certein degree (P<0.05). The expression of SCF and c-kit in the tubular and interstitial tissue was slight. The increased expressions of SCF and c-kit protein and mRNA in DKD model rats were downregulated by tranilat (P<0.05). The expressions of SCF and c-kit were positively correlated with the infiltration degree of mast cells and the expressions of FN, Col I. Mast cells participate in and aggravate the renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in DKD rats. Tranilast can reverse the EMT of renal tubular cells and inhibit the tubulointersitial fibrosis of DKD by blocking the infiltration of mast cells induced by SCF/c-kit pathway.

Production of stem cell factor in canine mast cell tumors

Mast cell tumor (MCT) is the most common cutaneous tumor in dogs. We recently revealed that production of stem cell factor (SCF) contributes to the proliferation of neoplastic mast cells in an autocrine/paracrine manner. The aim of the present study was to determine the contribution of the mechanism in clinical MCTs. In consequence, high SCF expression (>10 times compared to HRMC cells) was observed in 5 of 7 MCT samples used in the study regardless of KIT mutation, which was confirmed in immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, production of SCF was observed in Ki-67-positive cells in the MCT xenograft. These results indicate the broad contribution of SCF autocrine/paracrine mechanism on clinical MCTs, providing the rationale for the clinical use of KIT inhibitors regardless of KIT mutation.

Changes in mast cells and hepatic expression of c-kit and stem cell factor in the rat model of chronic hepatitis

To study the potential role of mast cells and the related molecular mechanism in chronic hepatitis (CH) using a rat model system. Thirty Wistar rats (15 males, 15 females; weight range: 230-290 g) were randomly divided into the normal contrast (NC) group and experimental CH group. The CH group received subcutaneous injection of CCl4 and a diet high in cholesterol and alcohol content and low in protein and choline content. Throughout the 4-week modeling period, aseptic blood samples were taken to test plasma tryptase (TS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) levels. The rats were euthanized to assess the changes in liver mast cells by histology and morphology analyses and the changes in liver expression of c-kit and stem cell factor (SCF) proteins by immunohistochemistry and mRNAs by RT-PCR. Compared to the NC group, the CH group had higher plasma and liver concentration of HA (78.09 +/- 38.55 vs. 145.14 +/- 52.54 ng/ml, 51.58 +/- 20.45 vs. 106.59 +/- 43.15 ng/100 mg; t = 2.457 and 2.825 respectively, both P less than 0.05) and TS (0.416 +/- 0.143 vs 0.753 +/- 0.210 mg/ml; t = 4.165, P less than 0.05). The CH group also showed fatty degeneration and fibrosis with many degranulating and degranulated mast cells filled with purple granula located around the liver blood vessels and in fiber-intervals. The CH livers also showed a significantly higher number of mast cells (2.167 +/- 0.924 vs. NC: 10.92 +/- 1.575; t = 7.633, P less than 0.05) and stronger intensity of c-kit staining (2.783 +/- 0.577 vs. 12.86 +/- 3.126; t = 9.511, P less than 0.05) and SCF staining (3.383 +/- 1.583 vs. 15.58 +/- 6.431; t = 9.625, P less than 0.05). The expressions of c-kit and SCF were positively correlated with HA level (r = 0.478 and 0.556 respectively, both P less than 0.05). The c-kit and SCF mRNA expression levels were also significantly higher in the CH liver tissues. Mast cell degranulation and histamine release is significantly increased under conditions of chronic hepatitis, and the related mechanism may involve up-regulation of the membrane receptor c-kit and its ligand SCF.

In vivo knockdown of ckit impairs neuronal migration and axonal extension in the cerebral cortex

The tyrosine kinase receptor cKit and its ligand stem cell factor (SCF) are well known mediators in proliferation, survival, and positive chemotaxis of different cell types in the hematopoietic system. However, and in spite of previous reports showing robust expression of cKit and SCF in the brain during development, their possible function in the cerebral cortex has not been clarified. In this study, embryonic knockdown expression of cKit in the rat cortex by in utero electroporation of specific RNAi resulted in delayed radial migration of cortical neurons. In conditional Nestin-cKit KO homozygous mutants, radial migration in the cortex was also delayed. The opposite phenotype was observed after overexpressing cKit in the cortex: radial migration was accelerated. Callosal fibers electroporated with cKit RNAi were also delayed in their extension within the contralateral cortex and eventually failed to innervate their target area. In vitro experiments showed that, whereas SCF was able to promote migration of cortical neurons, it had no effect on cortical neurite outgrowth. In summary, our results demonstrate that (1) cKit is necessary for radial migration of cortical neurons, probably through SCF binding and (2) cKit is necessary for the correct formation of the callosal projection, most likely by a mechanism not involving SCF.

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Fairness of skin, UV sensitivity and skin cancer risk all correlate with the physiologic function of the melanocortin 1 receptor, a Gs-coupled signaling protein found on the surface of melanocytes. Mc1r stimulates adenylyl cyclase and cAMP production which, in turn, up-regulates melanocytic production of melanin in the skin. In order to study the mechanisms by which Mc1r signaling protects the skin against UV injury, this study relies on a mouse model with "humanized skin" based on epidermal expression of stem cell factor (Scf). K14-Scf transgenic mice retain melanocytes in the epidermis and therefore have the ability to deposit melanin in the epidermis. In this animal model, wild type Mc1r status results in robust deposition of black eumelanin pigment and a UV-protected phenotype. In contrast, K14-Scf animals with defective Mc1r signaling ability exhibit a red/blonde pigmentation, very little eumelanin in the skin and a UV-sensitive phenotype. Reasoning that eumelanin deposition might be enhanced by topical agents that mimic Mc1r signaling, we found that direct application of forskolin extract to the skin of Mc1r-defective fair-skinned mice resulted in robust eumelanin induction and UV protection (1). Here we describe the method for preparing and applying a forskolin-containing natural root extract to K14-Scf fair-skinned mice and report a method for measuring UV sensitivity by determining minimal erythematous dose (MED). Using this animal model, it is possible to study how epidermal cAMP induction and melanization of the skin affect physiologic responses to UV exposure.

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Fairness of skin, UV sensitivity and skin cancer risk all correlate with the physiologic function of the melanocortin 1 receptor, a Gs-coupled signaling protein found on the surface of melanocytes. Mc1r stimulates adenylyl cyclase and cAMP production which, in turn, up-regulates melanocytic production of melanin in the skin. In order to study the mechanisms by which Mc1r signaling protects the skin against UV injury, this study relies on a mouse model with "humanized skin" based on epidermal expression of stem cell factor (Scf). K14-Scf transgenic mice retain melanocytes in the epidermis and therefore have the ability to deposit melanin in the epidermis. In this animal model, wild type Mc1r status results in robust deposition of black eumelanin pigment and a UV-protected phenotype. In contrast, K14-Scf animals with defective Mc1r signaling ability exhibit a red/blonde pigmentation, very little eumelanin in the skin and a UV-sensitive phenotype. Reasoning that eumelanin deposition might be enhanced by topical agents that mimic Mc1r signaling, we found that direct application of forskolin extract to the skin of Mc1r-defective fair-skinned mice resulted in robust eumelanin induction and UV protection 1. Here we describe the method for preparing and applying a forskolin-containing natural root extract to K14-Scf fair-skinned mice and report a method for measuring UV sensitivity by determining minimal erythematous dose (MED). Using this animal model, it is possible to study how epidermal cAMP induction and melanization of the skin affect physiologic responses to UV exposure.

Effects of recombinant human AMH on the expression of SCF in human granulosa cells

To investigate the effects of recombinant human AMH(rhAMH) on the expression of SCF in human GCs. Both Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and stem cell factor (SCF) are cytokines secreted by granulosa cells (GCs), playing different roles in the human ovary. Previous publications suggested that AMH might inhibit the promotion effects of SCF on oocyte growth, our lab also have found a negative correlation between the serum levels of AMH and SCF in women with different ovary reserve. However, the relationship between these two important factors has not been revealed yet.

Cytomegalovirus pp71 Protein Is Expressed in Human Glioblastoma and Promotes Pro-Angiogenic Signaling by Activation of Stem Cell Factor

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant primary central nervous system neoplasm characterized by tumor cell invasion, robust angiogenesis, and a mean survival of 15 months. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is present in >90% of GBMs, although the role the virus plays in GBM pathogenesis is unclear. We report here that HCMV pp71, a viral protein previously shown to promote cell cycle progression, is present in a majority of human GBMs and is preferentially expressed in the CD133+, cancer stem-like cell population. Overexpression of pp71 in adult neural precursor cells resulted in potent induction of stem cell factor (SCF), an important pro-angiogenic factor in GBM. Using double immunofluorescence, we demonstrate in situ co-localization of pp71 and SCF in clinical GBM specimens. pp71 overexpression in both normal and transformed glial cells increased SCF secretion and this effect was specific, since siRNA mediated knockdown of pp71 or treatment with the antiviral drug cidofovir resulted in decreased expression and secretion of SCF by HCMV-infected cells. pp71- induced upregulation of SCF resulted in downstream activation of its putative endothelial cell receptor, c-kit, and angiogenesis as measured by increased capillary tube formation in vitro. We demonstrate that pp71 induces a pro-inflammatory response via activation of NFΚB signaling which drives SCF expression. Furthermore, we show that pp71 levels and NFKB activation are selectively augmented in the mesenchymal subtype of human GBMs, characterized by worst patient outcome, suggesting that HCMV pp71-induced paracrine signaling may contribute to the aggressive phenotype of this human malignancy.

FRI0035 Expression and functions of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin receptors in human synovial mast cells

BackgroundMast cells accumulate in the synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and several data in murine models demonstrate that they can contribute importantly to the initiation of inflammatory...

Effects of Recombinant Human AMH on SCF Expression in Human Granulosa Cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human anti-mullerian hormone (rhAMH) on Stem Cell Factor (SCF) expression in human granulosa cells (GCs). GCs were obtained from infertile patients undergoing IVF-ET cycles and cultured with 20 ng/ml of rhAMH. The levels of SCF mRNA and protein were detected in both matched and experimental group by real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, and ELISA, respectively, on day 4 of culture. We found that human GCs expressed SCF mRNA and protein, and SCF expression in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the matched group (p < 0.05). We further showed that rhAMH inhibited SCF expression at mRNA and protein levels.

Abstract 5271: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and EGF induce c-Kit ligand/Stem Cell Factor (SCF) in a β-arrestin-1 and E2F1 dependent manner in NSCLC .

Abstract β-arrestin-1 (ARRB1), a scaffolding protein involved in the termination or desensitization of signals arising from activated G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has been shown to play a role in invasion and proliferation of many cancers, including nicotine-induced proliferation of human non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). In this study, we carried out microarray analysis of cells lacking β-arrestin-1 which have been rendered quiescent and subsequently stimulated with nicotine or EGF. Nicotine induced and β-arrestin-1 dependent genes from the microarray data were analyzed. We identified 296 genes that were upregulated and 208 that were downregulated by nicotine in a β-arrestin-1 dependent fashion. The functional pathway analysis tool, MetaCoreTM (Genego, MI, USA) was used to obtain curated molecular interactions related to the above selected genes. We selected top 10 genes from both up and down regulated list for prognosis prediction. Prognostic prediction was carried out using a subset of NCI Director's Challenge Set. Kaplan-Meier analyses for 5 year as well as overall survival showed significance for 4 genes namely COL4A4, NFASC, SCF and ZNF137 by log-rank test. We also examined whether the expression of these gens correlated with smoking; it was found that SCF strongly differentiated smokers from non-smokers implying an important role of this gene in lung carcinogenesis induced by smoking. Stem cell factor (SCF) is the ligand of the c-Kit proto-oncogene product. It is a major human cytokine for the self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation of numerous embryonic, adult hematopoietic and primordial stem cells. Earlier reports show that uncontrolled activity of c-Kit contributes to formation of an array of human tumors. This unregulated activity of c-Kit may be due to overexpression or mutational activation suggesting that SCF-c-Kit signaling can be a potential target for cancer therapy. We elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which nicotine as well as EGF induces the expression of SCF in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines A549 and H1650. ChIP assays and transient transfection experiments showed that transcription factor E2F1 can positively regulate SCF expression at the transcriptional level; depletion of E2F1 or β-arrestin-1 prevented the nicotine-mediated induction of SCF. Given that the binding of SCF to c-Kit leads to activation of multiple downstream signaling pathways including Src, PI3-kinase and MAP/ERK pathways, our data suggest that the SCF/c-Kit pathway plays a central role in lung carcinogenesis, and may be a potential therapeutic target for combating NSCLC. Citation Format: Deepak Perumal, Smitha Pillai, Srikumar Chellappan. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and EGF induce c-Kit ligand/Stem Cell Factor (SCF) in a β-arrestin-1 and E2F1 dependent manner in NSCLC . [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5271. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5271

Stem cell factor expression in B cell malignancies is influenced by the niche

Our group has previously demonstrated that expression of the cytokine stem cell factor (SCF) by leukemic blasts is a frequent finding in pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Whether SCF expression is a feature of other B cell malignancies and whether cross-talk from the local microenvironment modulates malignant cell SCF production are, however, unknown. Here we show using immunohistochemistry that SCF is expressed by a wide variety of indolent and aggressive B cell malignancies involving the bone marrow (BM) or lymph nodes (LNs). In diseases such as follicular lymphoma (FL), however, where lymphoma cells uniquely associate with the BM endosteal niche, BM lymphoma does not express SCF, while LN involvement is SCF positive. In contrast, cases of FL with high-grade transformation in the BM are SCF positive. These data suggest that lymphoma cell interaction with the endosteal niche inhibits SCF production, and that FL cells become independent of this microenvironment effect following transformation.

Basic Science * 208. Stem Cell Factor Expression is Increased in the Skin of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis and Promotes Proliferation and Migration of Fibroblasts in vitro

Basic Science * 208. Stem Cell Factor Expression is Increased in the Skin of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis and Promotes Proliferation and Migration of Fibroblasts in vitro

This Niche Is a Maze; An Amazing Niche

The cellular identity of niche cells that regulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and differentiation has been debated for several years. Two recent studies in Nature (Ding and Morrison, 2013; Greenbaum etal., 2013) have shed light into the bone marrow stromal subsets making CXCL12, a chemokine critical for HSC maintenance.

Magnolol Pretreatment Prevents Sepsis-Induced Intestinal Dysmotility by Maintaining Functional Interstitial Cells of Cajal

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which magnolol treatment prevents lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic dysmotility in mice. Sepsis was induced by intravenous tail vein injection of LPS (4 mg/kg body weight). Animals were divided into three groups: the magnolol-treated septic group, the placebo-treated septic group, and the control group. Intestinal transit and circular smooth muscle contraction were measured 12 h after LPS injection, and immunocytochemisty was performed to study the morphology of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). Stem cell factor (SCF) expression and c-kit phosphorylation were determined by Western blot analysis, and the mRNA levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) were determined by RT-PCR. Nitric oxide (NO) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were detected using commercial kits. Intestinal transit and muscular contractility were significantly lower in the LPS-treated group than in the control group. Immunocytochemical experiments showed that the total number of ICCs, and the total and average lengths of the ICC processes were significantly decreased in the LPS-treated group compared with those in the control group. In LPS-treated animals, magnolol pretreatment significantly accelerated intestinal transit, increased circular muscle contraction, and prevented ICC morphology changes. Phosphorylation of c-kit and expression of SCF were significantly downregulated in LPS-treated animals compared with control animals. Magnolol pretreatment prevented sepsis-induced decreases in c-kit phosphorylation and SCF expression in LPS-treated animals. Magnolol pretreatment prevented the sepsis-induced increase in NO concentration, iNOS expression, and MDA concentration, and decrease in SOD activity in LPS-treated animals. Our results suggest that magnolol treatment prevents sepsis-induced intestinal dysmotility by regulating SCF/c-kit and NO signaling to maintain functional ICCs.