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Several human motility disorders have been shown to be associated with loss or defects in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) networks. Because tissue samples for these studies were taken from patients with well-advanced motility problems, it is difficult to determine whether the loss of ICC is a cause or a consequence of the disease process. To establish the cause-and-effect relationship of ICC loss in motility disorders, it may be feasible to use animal models in which ICC are lost as motility dysfunction develops. Several models with defects in ICC networks have been developed, and these include animals with defects in the Kit signaling pathway (e.g., white-spotting mutants that have defects in Kit receptors; steel mutants that have mutations in stem cell factor, the ligand for Kit; and animals that are chronically treated with reagents that block Kit or downstream signaling proteins). ICC do not die when Kit signaling is blocked, rather, they redifferentiate into a smooth muscle-like phenotype. Diabetic animals (NOD/LtJ mice), animals with chronic bowel obstruction, and inflammatory bowel models also have defects in ICC networks that have been associated with motility disorders. By studying these models with molecular and genomic techniques it may be possible to determine the signals that cause loss of ICC and find ways of restoring ICC to dysfunctional tissues. This article discusses recent progress in the utilization of animal models to study the consequences of losing ICC on the development of motility disorders.  相似文献   

3.
The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are important mediators of gastrointestinal (GI) motility because of their role as pacemakers in the GI tract. In addition to their function, ICCs are also structurally distinct cells most easily identified by their ultra-structural features and expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor c-KIT. ICCs have been described in mammals, rodents, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, but there are no reports at the ultra-structural level of ICCs within the GI tract of an organism from the teleost lineage. We describe the presence of cells in the muscularis of the zebrafish intestine; these cells have similar features to ICCs in other vertebrates. The ICC-like cells are associated with the muscularis, are more electron-dense than surrounding smooth muscle cells, possess long cytoplasmic processes and mitochondria, and are situated opposing enteric nervous structures. In addition, immunofluorescent and immunoelectron-microscopic studies with antibodies targeting the zebrafish ortholog of a putative ICC marker, c-KIT (kita), showed c-kit immunoreactivity in zebrafish ICCs. Taken together, these data represent the first ultra-structural characterization of cells in the muscularis of the zebrafish Danio rerio and suggest that ICC differentiation in vertebrate evolution dates back to the teleost lineage.  相似文献   

4.
Kit immunohistochemistry and confocal reconstructions have provided detailed 3-dimensional images of ICC networks throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Morphological criteria have been used to establish that different classes of ICC exist within the GI tract and physiological studies have shown that these classes have distinct physiological roles in GI motility. Structural studies have focused predominately on rodent models and less information is available on whether similar classes of ICC exist within the GI tracts of humans or non-human primates. Using Kit immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging, we examined the 3-dimensional structure of ICC throughout the GI tract of cynomolgus monkeys. Whole or flat mounts and cryostat sections were used to examine ICC networks in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), stomach, small intestine and colon. Anti-histamine antibodies were used to distinguish ICC from mast cells in the lamina propria. Kit labeling identified complex networks of ICC populations throughout the non-human primate GI tract that have structural characteristics similar to that described for ICC populations in rodent models. ICC-MY formed anastomosing networks in the myenteric plexus region. ICC-IM were interposed between smooth muscle cells in the stomach and colon and were concentrated within the deep muscular plexus (ICC-DMP) of the intestine. ICC-SEP were found in septal regions of the antrum that separated circular muscle bundles. Spindle-shaped histamine+ mast cells were found in the lamina propria throughout the GI tract. Since similar sub-populations of ICC exist within the GI tract of primates and rodents and the use of rodents to study the functional roles of different classes of ICC is warranted.  相似文献   

5.
Morphological studies have shown synaptic-like structures between enteric nerve terminals and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in mouse and guinea pig gastrointestinal tracts. Functional studies of mice lacking certain classes of ICC have also suggested that ICC mediate enteric motor neurotransmission. We have performed morphological experiments to determine the relationship between enteric nerves and ICC in the canine gastric antrum with the hypothesis that conservation of morphological features may indicate similar functional roles for ICC in mice and thicker-walled gastrointestinal organs of larger mammals. Four classes of ICC were identified based on anatomical location within the tunica muscularis. ICC in the myenteric plexus region (IC-MY) formed a network of cells that were interconnected to each other and to smooth muscle cells by gap junctions. Intramuscular interstitial cells (IC-IM) were found in muscle bundles of the circular and longitudinal layers. ICC were located along septa (IC-SEP) that separated the circular muscle into bundles and were also located along the submucosal surface of the circular muscle layer (IC-SM). Immunohistochemistry revealed close physical associations between excitatory and inhibitory nerve fibers and ICC. These contacts were synaptic-like with pre- and postjunctional electron-dense regions. Synaptic-like contacts between enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells were never observed. Innervated ICC formed gap junctions with neighboring smooth muscle cells. These data show that ICC in the canine stomach are innervated by enteric neurons and express similar structural features to innervated ICC in the murine GI tract. This morphology implies similar functional roles for ICC in this species.  相似文献   

6.
Endothelin receptor null rats [ETB(-/-)] are a model for long-segment Hirschsprung's disease. These animals have significant intestinal distension (megaileum) proximal to a constricted region of the gastrointestinal tract lacking enteric ganglia. Experiments were performed to determine the pathophysiological changes that occur in these animals and to examine the tunica muscularis as a unique, immunologically active compartment. We observed abnormal intestinal flora in ETB(-/-) rats, which included a marked increase in gram-negative aerobes (Enterobacteriaceae) and anaerobes (Bacteroidaceae) in the distended region of the small intestine. Histochemical observations showed that neutrophilic infiltration was rarely or not observed, but the number of ED2 positive macrophages was increased in the tunica muscularis. Expression of IL-1beta and IL-6 mRNA was also significantly increased, and the level of CD14 (LPS receptors) were increased significantly in the tunica muscularis. Spontaneous phasic contractions were irregular in the distended intestinal regions of ETB(-/-) rats, and this was associated with an increased number of macrophages and damage to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) as revealed by using Kit-like immunoreactivity and electron microscopy. These results suggest that ED2-positive resident macrophages may play an important role in the inflammation of tunica muscularis in ETB(-/-) rats. Increased numbers and activation of macrophages may result in damage to ICC networks leading to disordered intestinal rhythmicity in regions of the gut in which myenteric ganglia are intact.  相似文献   

7.
Disruptions of networks of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), gastrointestinal pacemakers and mediators of neurotransmission, can lead to disordered phasic contractions and peristalsis by reducing and uncoupling electrical slow waves. However, detailed analysis of the ICC network behavior has been hampered by their scarcity, limited accessibility in intact tissues, and contamination with other cell types in culture. Our goal was to develop a simple technique to purify ICC from murine gastrointestinal muscles for functional studies. We identified ICC in live small intestinal muscles or primary cell cultures by Kit immunoreactivity using fluorescent antibodies. Because this technique also labels resident macrophages nonspecifically, parallel studies were performed in which nonfluorescent Kit antibodies and macrophages labeled with fluorescent dextran were used for subtractive analysis of ICC. In both groups, Kit-positive cells were tagged with superparamagnetic antibodies and sorted on magnetic columns. Efficacy was assessed by flow cytometry. ICC enrichment from primary cultures and freshly dissociated tissues was approximately 63-fold and approximately 8-fold, respectively. Unlike the cells derived directly from tissues, cells sorted from cultures frequently yielded extensive, nearly homogenous ICC networks on reseeding. Monitoring oscillations in mitochondrial Ca(2+) or membrane potential by imaging revealed spontaneous rhythmicity in these networks. Cells that did not bind to the columns yielded cultures that were depleted of ICC and dominated by smooth muscle cells. In conclusion, immunomagnetic sorting of primary cultures of ICC results in relatively homogenous, functional ICC networks. This technique is less suitable for obtaining ICC from freshly dispersed cells.  相似文献   

8.
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are responsible for generating electrical slow waves in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Slow waves regulate the frequency of contractions of the tunica muscularis, and therefore ICC are critical for normal motility in the small intestine. ICC express Kit, the gene product of c-kit, a protooncogene that encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase. Physiological evidence demonstrating that ICC are pacemakers has come from experiments on W-mutant mice which have few Kit-positive cells at the level of the myenteric plexus (IC-MY) and also lack electrical slow waves. In the past identification of ICC required the use of electron microscopy, however the discovery that ICC express Kit has facilitated studies of the distribution of ICC in several species. Immunoelectron microscopy to relate ultrastructure to Kit expression has only been performed in a limited number of studies of mice. We examined the ultrastructure of Kit-expressing cells in the rat using immunoelectron microscopy and an anti-Kit antibody. We compared the presence and appearance of Kit-expressing ICC in wildtype and Ws/Ws rats, which carry a mutation in the white spotting locus and have a phenotype similar to W/Wv mutant mice. Kit-expressing cells could be detected in the myenteric plexus (MY) and deep muscular plexus (DMP) regions of the small intestine of wildtype animals. In Ws/Ws rats, Kit-expressing cells were not observed in the region of MY, but were observed in the DMP. The density of Kit-positive cells in the DMP of Ws/Ws rats was similar to those in wildtype rats. Electron microscopy showed that Kit-expressing cells at the level of the MY of the rat had similar ultrastructural features as IC-MY in wildtype mice. IC-DMP in the rat of both wildtype and Ws/Ws mutants were similar in structure to IC-DMP of the mouse. We conclude that wildtype rats have IC-MY and IC-DMP in the tunica muscularis of the jejunum. ICC express Kit-like immunoreactivity (Kit-LI) in the rat as in the mouse. IC-MY are absent in the small intestine of Ws/Ws rats, and this corresponds to the lack of Kit-labeling in this region. Ws/Ws rats, however, possess IC-DMP with normal ultrastructural features and Kit-LI. The absence of IC-MY of Ws/Ws rats is likely to account for the abnormal contractile activity of the GI tract observed in these mutants. The present study suggests that Ws/Ws rats could provide an interesting model to investigate the physiological significance of pacemaker activity because they manifest a defect in IC-MY.  相似文献   

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ABSTRACT

Hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid, can exert numerous beneficial effects on human health. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the present study, we investigated potential effects of hesperidin on pacemaker potential of ICC in murine small intestine and GI motility. A whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record pacemaker potential in ICC, and GI motility was investigated in vivo by recording gastric emptying (GE) and intestinal transit rate (ITR). Hesperidin depolarized pacemaker potentials of ICC in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-treatment with methoctramine or 4-DAMP did not inhibit hesperidin-induced pacemaker potential depolarization. Neither a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (Y25130) nor a 5-HT7 receptor antagonist (SB269970) reduced the effect of hesperidin on ICC pacemaker potential, whereas the 5-HT4 receptor antagonist RS39604 was found to inhibit this effect. In the presence of GDP–β–S, hesperidin-induced pacemaker potential depolarization was inhibited. Moreover, in the presence of U73122 and calphostin C, hesperidin did not depolarize pacemaker potentials. Furthermore, hesperidin accelerated GE and ITR in vivo. These results imply that hesperidin depolarized ICC pacemaker potential via 5-HT4 receptors, G protein, and PLC/PKC dependent pathways and that it increased GI motility. Therefore, hesperidin may be a promising novel drug to regulate GI motility.  相似文献   

11.
Spontaneous electrical pacemaker activity occurs in tunica muscularis of the gastrointestinal tract and drives phasic contractions. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are the pacemaker cells that generate and propagate electrical slow waves. We used Ca2+ imaging to visualize spontaneous rhythmicity in ICC in the myenteric region (ICC-MY) of the murine small intestine. ICC-MY, verified by colabeling with Kit antibody, displayed regular Ca2+ transients that occurred after electrical slow waves. ICC-MY formed networks, and Ca2+ transient wave fronts propagated through the ICC-MY networks at 2 mm/s and activated attached longitudinal muscle fibers. Nicardipine blocked Ca2+ transients in LM but had no visible effect on the transients in ICC-MY. -Glycyrrhetinic acid reduced the coherence of propagation, causing single cells to pace independently. Thus, virtually all ICC-MYs are spontaneously active, but normal activity is organized into propagating wave fronts. Inhibitors of dihydropyridine-resistant Ca2+ entry (Ni2+ and mibefradil) and elevated external K+ reduced the coherence and velocity of propagation, eventually blocking all activity. The mitochondrial uncouplers, FCCP, and antimycin and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-inhibitory drug, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, abolished rhythmic Ca2+ transients in ICC-MY. These data show that global Ca2+ transients in ICC-MYs are a reporter of electrical slow waves in gastrointestinal muscles. Imaging of ICC networks provides a unique multicellular view of pacemaker activity. The activity of ICC-MY is driven by intracellular Ca2+ handling mechanisms and entrained by voltage-dependent Ca2+ entry and coupling of cells via gap junctions. Ca2+ signaling; slow waves; gastrointestinal motility  相似文献   

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Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and loss of ICC is associated with many GI motility disorders. Previous studies have shown that ICC have the capacity to regenerate or restore, and several growth factors are critical to their growth, maintenance or regeneration. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of interleukin-9 (IL-9) in the growth, maintenance and pacemaker functions of cultured ICC. Here, we report that IL-9 promotes proliferation of ICC, and culturing ICC with IL-9 enhances cholecystokinin-8-induced Ca2+ transients, which is probably caused by facilitating maintenance of ICC functions under culture condition. We also show co-localizations of cholecystokinin-1 receptor and IL-9 receptor with c-kit by double-immunohistochemical labeling. In conclusion, IL-9 can promote ICC growth and help maintain ICC functions; IL-9 probably performs its functions via IL-9 receptors on ICC.  相似文献   

14.
The term 'Interstitial cells of Cajal' (ICC) designates several groups of mesenchymal cells present along the gastro-intestinal tract (GI), in close association with smooth muscle cells and elements of the enteric nervous system (ENS). For years, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been the only reliable tool to study ICC. Whilst TEM remains the golden standard for identification of ICC, the observation that the tyrosine kinase receptor c-kit plays a crucial role in their development recently resulted in numerous immunohistochemical studies and also led to a better characterization of their roles. ICC form extensive networks of electrically coupled cells and certain groups of ICC are currently regarded as the source of the spontaneous slow waves of the gut musculature (pacemaker cells). Other ICC appear to be involved in the transduction of the relaxation of smooth muscle triggered by nitric oxide. Abnormal distribution of ICC has been reported in several human diseases and abnormal functioning of ICC might actually be involved in many disorders of GI transit. This review addresses (1) the morphology and relationships of ICC along the GI tract in man and mouse, mainly based on data from immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, (2) the emerging role of ICC in the pathophysiology of human diseases, like infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (a common disorder with a dysfunction of the pyloric sphincter), Hirschsprung's disease (aganglion-osis coli) and intestinal pseudo-obstruction, (3) developmental issues, (4) recent reports suggesting a possible link between ICC and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.  相似文献   

15.
Specific functions of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) have been linked to distinct classes that differ by morphology and distribution. In the small intestine, slow wave-generating ICC are located in the myenteric region (ICC-MY), whereas ICC that mediate neuromuscular neurotransmission occur either throughout the circular muscle layer (intramuscular ICC, ICC-IM) or in association with the deep muscular plexus (ICC-DMP). Selective isolation of ICC to characterize specific properties has been difficult. Recently, neurokinin-1 receptors have been detected in murine ICC-DMP and neurons but not in ICC-MY. Here we identified and isolated ICC-DMP/IM by receptor-mediated internalization of fluorescent substance P and Kit immunofluorescence. Specificity of labeling was verified by confocal microscopy. Mouse and human ICC-DMP/IM were detected in suspension by fluorescent microscopy and harvested for RT-PCR with micropipettes. The isolated cells expressed Kit but not markers for neurons, smooth muscle, or antigen-presenting cells. ICC-DMP expressed neurokinin-1 receptor, M(2) and M(3) muscarinic receptors, P2Y(1) and P2Y(4) purinergic receptors, VIP receptor 2, soluble guanylate cyclase-1 subunits, and protein kinase G. L- or T-type Ca(2+) channels were not detected in these cells. ICC-MY and ICC-DMP were simultaneously detected and enumerated by flow cytometry and sorted to purity by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. In summary, functional classes of ICC have distinct molecular identities that can be used to selectively identify and harvest these cells with, for example, receptor-mediated uptake of substance P and Kit immunofluorescence. ICC-DMP express neurotransmitter receptors and signaling intermediate molecules that are consistent with their role in neuromuscular neurotransmission.  相似文献   

16.
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are morphologically and functionally intercalated between the elements of the enteric nervous system and the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the musculature of the digestive tract. Kit immunohistochemistry reliably identifies the location of these cells and provides information on changes in ICC distribution and density. Human oesophagus specimens (7 embryos, 23 fetuses at 7-27 weeks gestational age; both sexes) were exposed to Kit antibodies to determine ICC differentiation. Enteric plexuses were examined immunohistochemically by using anti-neuron-specific enolase, whereas the differentiation of SMCs was studied with antibodies against α-smooth-muscle actin and desmin. By week 7, c-kit-immunopositive cells were present along the entire oesophagus in the form of an uninterrupted layer around the myenteric plexus (MP) elements. From the beginning of the 3rd month, the number of ICC progressively decreased around the MP ganglia but increased within the muscle layers. Concomitantly, differences in the number and distribution of ICC were established in the various portions of the oesophagus: specifically, ICC were abundant in the lower portion, less numerous in the middle region and rare in the upper part. By the 5th month of development, the relationship as found in later developmental stages had been established: C-kit IR ICC were present within the circular muscle layer, within the longitudinal layer and in the connective septa surrounding the muscle bundles but were completely missing around the MP ganglia.  相似文献   

17.
Several subtypes of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) form networks that play a role in gastrointestinal motor control. ICC express c-kit and depend on signaling via Kit receptors for development and phenotype maintenance. At 7-8 weeks of development, c-kit-immunoreactive (c-kit-IR) cells are present in the human oesophagus, stomach and proximal duodenum wall. In the remaining small and large bowel, c-kit-IR cells appear later. The object of the present study is to determine the timing of the appearance of c-kit-IR ICC in the parts of the digestive tube originating from the midgut (distal duodenum, jejunum, ileum and proximal colon). Specimens were obtained from eight human embryos and 11 fetuses at 7-12 weeks of gestational age. The specimens were exposed to anti-c-kit antibodies to investigate ICC differentiation. The differentiation of enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells was immunohistochemically examined by using anti-PGP9,5 and anti-desmin antibodies, respectively. In the distal duodenum, jejunum and ileum, c-kit-IR cells emerged at week 9 at the level of the myenteric plexus in the form of a thin row of cells encircling the inception of the ganglia. These cells were multipolar or spindle-shaped with two long processes and corresponded to the ICC of the myenteric plexus. In the proximal colon, c-kit-IR cells emerged at week 9-10 in the form of two parallel belts of cells extending at the submucosal plexus and the myenteric plexus levels. We conclude that ICC develop following two different patterns in the human midgut.  相似文献   

18.
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) include several types of specialized cells within the musculature of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Some types of ICC act as pacemakers in the GIT musculature, whereas others are implicated in the modulation of enteric neurotransmission. Kit immunohistochemistry reliably identifies the location of these cells and provides information on changes in ICC distribution and density. Human stomach specimens were obtained from 7 embryos and 28 foetuses without gastrointestinal disorders. The specimens were 7–27 weeks of gestational age, and both sexes are represented in the sample. The specimens were exposed to anti‐c‐kit antibodies to investigate ICC differentiation. Enteric plexuses were immunohistochemically examined by using anti‐neuron specific enolase and the differentiation of smooth muscle cells (SMC) was studied with anti‐α smooth muscle actin and anti‐desmin antibodies. By week 7, c‐kit‐immunopositive precursors formed a layer in the outer stomach wall around myenteric plexus elements. Between 9 and 11 weeks some of these precursors differentiated into ICC. ICC at the myenteric plexus level differentiated first, followed by those within the muscle layer: between SMC, at the circular and longitudinal layers, and within connective tissue septa enveloping muscle bundles. In the fourth month, all subtypes of c‐kit‐immunoreactivity ICC which are necessary for the generation of slow waves and their transfer to SMC have been developed. These results may help elucidate the origin of ICC and the aetiology and pathogenesis of stomach motility disorders in neonates and young children that are associated with absence or decreased number of these cells.  相似文献   

19.
The aim of this article is to provide a better understanding of the roles of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in regulating gastrointestinal motility by reviewing in vitro and in vivo physiological motility studies. Based on the in vitro studies, ICC are proposed to have the following functions: to generate slow waves, to mediate neurotransmission between the enteric nerves and the gastrointestinal muscles and to act as mechanoreceptors. However, there is limited evidence available for these hypotheses from the in vivo motility studies. In this review, we first introduce the major subtypes of ICC and their established functions. Three Kit mutant mouse and rodent models are presented and the loss of ICC subtypes in these mutants is reviewed. The physiological motility findings from various in vitroand in vivo experiments are discussed to give a critical review on the roles of ICC in generating slow waves, regulating gastrointestinal motility, mediating neural transmission and serving as mechanoreceptors. It is concluded that the role of ICC as pacemakers may be well established, but other cells may also be involved in the generation of slow waves; the theory that ICC are mediators of neurotransmission is challenged by the majority of the in vivo motility studies; the hypothesis that ICC are mechanoreceptors has not found supportive evidence from the in vivo studies yet. More studies are needed to explain discrepancies in motility findings between the in vitro and in vivo experiments.  相似文献   

20.
Cajal间质细胞(interstitial cells of Cajal,ICC)是一类主要分布于胃肠道的间质细胞,与平滑肌细胞以及肠神经细胞有着紧密的关系。ICC分布于整个胃肠道,是胃肠道起搏细胞,具有产生和传播慢波的功能,参与神经递质调节,在一些胃肠动力性疾病中表现为异常状态。近期,关于ICC的生理功能、损伤和恢复机制的研究取得了显著的进展。ICC网络存在动态平衡,为了维持ICC网络功能,ICC周期代谢需要被紧密的控制调节平衡ICC死亡和更替。研究表明,ICC具有高度的可塑性,在一些缺失ICC的疾病中ICC并不一定死亡,转分化、去分化和细胞凋亡可能是ICC丢失的机制。。本文主要对Cajal间质细胞及其可塑性的研究进展进行了综述。  相似文献   

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