Distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal in tunica muscularis of the canine rectoanal region

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (5) ◽  
pp. G756-G767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuhide Horiguchi ◽  
Kathleen D. Keef ◽  
Sean M. Ward
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Anal Sphincter ◽  
Internal Anal Sphincter ◽  
Structural Organization ◽  
Interstitial Cells Of Cajal ◽  
Circular Muscle ◽  
Muscle Layer ◽  
Circular Muscle Layer ◽  
Circular Layer ◽  
Cells Of Cajal

Electrical and mechanical activity of the circular muscle layer in the rectoanal region of the gastrointestinal tract undergoes considerable changes in the site of dominant pacemaking activity, frequency, and waveform shape. The present study was performed to determine whether changes in the structural organization of the circular layer or in the density, distribution, and ultrastructure of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) could account for this heterogeneity in electrical and mechanical activities. Light microscopy revealed that the structural organization of the circular muscle layer underwent dramatic morphological changes, from a tightly packed layer with poorly defined septa in the proximal rectum to one of discrete muscle bundles separated by large septae in the internal anal sphincter. Kit immunohistochemistry revealed a dense network of ICC along the submucosal and myenteric borders in the rectum, whereas in the internal anal sphincter, ICC were located along the periphery of muscle bundles within the circular layer. Changes in electrical activity within the circular muscle layer can be partially explained by changes in the structure of the muscle layer and changes in the distribution of ICC in the rectoanal region of the gastrointestinal tract.

Neuromuscular structures specific to the submucosal border of the human colonic circular muscle layer

1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (11) ◽  
pp. 1437-1446 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. Faussone-Pellegrini ◽  
C. Cortesini ◽  
D. Pantalone
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Interstitial Cells Of Cajal ◽  
Circular Muscle ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Muscle Layer ◽  
Interstitial Cells ◽  
Circular Muscle Layer ◽  
The Right ◽  
Cells Of Cajal

The circular muscle layer of the human caecum and ascending colon is clearly subdivided into two portions: an outer one which includes the bulk of the circular muscle layer, and an inner one made up of only six to eight rows of cells. In the right transverse colon no demarcation can be observed, but a difference exists between the innermost and the outermost cells, since those of the two innermost rows possess some peculiarities with regard to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, glycogen particles, caveolae, and intercellular junctions. In the left part of the colon, the circular muscle layer is also divided into two portions. In fact, the innermost smooth muscle cells still possess peculiar morphologies, progressively increase in number, and become separate from each other making up a superficial muscle network. A fibrous lamella, along and inside which a ganglionated nerve plexus runs, is strictly apposed to the submucosal border of the circular muscle layer of the entire colonic length. A second nerve plexus runs between the two portions of the circular muscle layer. Both these plexuses are accompanied by interstitial cells of Cajal in the right colon only. The peculiar organization of the entire submucosal border of the human colonic circular muscle layer distinguishes it from other parts of the gut and probably represents a structural basis for control of human colonic motility. The presence of putative pacemaker cells (interstitial cells and peculiar smooth muscle cells) indicates that the inner border of human colonic circular muscle layer possesses pacemaking activities. Moreover, the interstitial cell – smooth muscle cell ratio differs depending on the colonic level; two main regions can be identified: the right and the left colon. Consequently, we might expect regional variation in pacemaking.Key words: smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells of Cajal, human colon, ultrastructure.

Distribution of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Internal Anal Sphincter of Patients With Internal Anal Sphincter Achalasia and Hirschsprung Disease

2003 ◽  
Vol 127 (9) ◽  
pp. 1192-1195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Piaseczna Piotrowska ◽  
Valeria Solari ◽  
Prem Puri
Keyword(s):  
Anal Sphincter ◽  
Internal Anal Sphincter ◽  
Interstitial Cells Of Cajal ◽  
Internal Sphincter ◽  
Smooth Muscles ◽  
Hirschsprung Disease ◽  
Interstitial Cells ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Internal Anal Sphincter Achalasia ◽  
Cells Of Cajal

Abstract Context.—Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are pacemaker cells in the smooth muscles of the gut. The internal anal sphincter (IAS) is the most caudal part of gastrointestinal tract. It has the important function of maintaining fecal continence. It has been proposed that ICCs in the IAS mediate the inhibitory innervation of the recto-anal reflexes. Objective.—To investigate the distribution of ICCs in the normal IAS and in the IAS of children diagnosed with internal anal sphincter achalasia (IASA) and Hirschsprung disease (HD). Methods.—At the time of IAS myectomy, specimens of the IAS were taken from 8 patients with IASA, 4 patients with HD, and 4 normal controls. All specimens were examined using anti–c-Kit and antiperipherin antibodies; immunolocalization was detected with light microscopy. Density of the ICCs was graded by computerized image analysis. Results.—There was strong peripherin immunoreactivity in the ganglia cells and nerve fibers in the normal IAS. The number of peripherin-positive nerve fibers was markedly reduced in the IAS in patients with IASA. In HD patients, there was lack of peripherin immunoreactivity in the IAS, but hypertrophic nerve trunks stained strongly. Many c-Kit–positive ICCs were present among the muscle fibers and between the muscle bundles in the normal IAS. In HD and IASA patients, ICCs were absent or markedly reduced. Conclusion.—Altered distribution of ICCs in the internal sphincter in IASA and HD may contribute to motility dysfunction in these patients.

Cholinergic nerve-mediated excitation in the guinea pig choledochoduodenal junction activated by distension

1994 ◽  
Vol 267 (5) ◽  
pp. G938-G946 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Vogalis ◽  
R. R. Bywater ◽  
G. S. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Action Potential ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Discharge Rate ◽  
Circular Muscle ◽  
Muscle Layer ◽  
Circular Muscle Layer ◽  
Circular Layer ◽  
Longitudinal Layer

The electrical basis of propulsive contractions in the guinea pig choledochoduodenal junction (CDJ), which are triggered by distension, was investigated using intracellular microelectrode recording techniques. The isolated CDJ was placed in a continuously perfused tissue chamber at 37 degrees C. Membrane potential was recorded from smooth muscle cells in either the ampulla or in the upper CDJ (upper junction) regions, which were immobilized by pinning. Distension of the upper junction (20-30 s) by increasing intraductal hydrostatic pressure (mean elevation: 2.0 +/- 0.3 kPa, n = 13) triggered "transient depolarizations" (TDs: < 5 mV in amplitude and 2-5 s in duration) and action potentials in the circular muscle layer of the ampulla. The frequency of TDs in the ampulla was increased from 2.2 +/- 0.2 to 15.9 +/- 2.2 min-1 (n = 13) during distension. Simultaneous impalements of cells in the longitudinal and circular muscle layers in the ampulla revealed that subthreshold TDs in the circular layer were associated with an increased rate of action potential discharge in the longitudinal layer. Atropine (Atr; 1.4 x 10(-6) M) and tetrodotoxin (TTX; 3.1 x 10(-6) M blocked the distension-evoked increase in TD frequency, without affecting the frequency of ongoing TDs. The sulfated octapeptide of cholecystokinin (1-5 x 10(-8) M) increased the amplitude of TDs recorded in the circular muscle layer of the ampulla and increased action potential discharge rate. In separate recordings, radial stretch of the ampulla region increased the rate of discharge of action potentials in the smooth muscle of the upper junction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age-related changes in substance P-immunoreactive nerve structures of the rat recto-anal region

Open Medicine ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 358-364
Author(s):  
Nikolai Lazarov ◽  
Dimitar Itzev ◽  
Kamen Usunoff ◽  
Negrin Negrev ◽  
Radomir Radomirov
Keyword(s):  
Substance P ◽  
Anal Sphincter ◽  
Internal Anal Sphincter ◽  
Circular Muscle ◽  
Muscle Layer ◽  
Nerve Fibres ◽  
Anal Region ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Old Rats ◽  
Age Related Changes

AbstractThe recto-anal region is innervated by extrinsic and intrinsic nerves and a number of neuropeptides including substance P (SP) have been suggested to participate in the regulation of intestinal movements. We examined the age-related changes in the distribution of SP-immunoreactive nerve structures in the distal part of the rat large intestine. Using immunohistochemistry, the presence of SP was studied in fresh tissues from Wistar rats at different ages taken at three sampling sites, the distal rectum, anal canal and internal anal sphincter. In the 15-day old rats the myenteric plexus of the distal rectum and anal canal was well outlined by numerous SP-immunoreactive varicose nerve fibres encircling immunonegative perikarya. In the circular muscle layer, nerve fibres and small nerve bundles ran parallel to the muscle cells, while in the longitudinal muscle layer, only occasional nerve fibres were seen. At the level of the internal anal sphincter, no myenteric ganglia were present. Here, thin varicose fibers ran parallel to the smooth muscle cells. In the 3-month old rats, a larger number of intensely staining SP-immunoreactive nerve fibres were found and in the circular muscle layer, thicker nerve strands were observed. In the 26-month old rats, the density and staining intensity of SP-immunopositive nerve fibres in the myenteric plexus was lower than in the 3-month-old rats. Similar changes in the SP-immunostained fibres in the internal anal sphincter were observed. Degenerative alterations in SP-containing fibres during aging appear to play a role in ano-rectal motility and sphincter control.

Selective accumulation of methylene blue by interstitial cells of Cajal in canine colon

1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (1) ◽  
pp. G64-G73 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. W. Liu ◽  
L. Thuneberg ◽  
E. E. Daniel ◽  
J. D. Huizinga
Keyword(s):  
Methylene Blue ◽  
Interstitial Cells Of Cajal ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Circular Muscle ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Muscle Layer ◽  
Interstitial Cells ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Selective Staining ◽  
Cells Of Cajal

The network of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) at the submucosal surface of the canine colon was selectively stained by incubation with 15-50 microM methylene blue for 30-45 min. The network was composed of regularly scattered ICC cell bodies interconnected by long processes. Circular muscle cells were unstained. Staining of neurons was limited to one or two axons within bundles. The ICC network had a thickness of a single cell, since no overlapping of ICC cell bodies was observed. The ICC network connected the circular muscle cells at the submucosal surface across the septa which circumferentially divided the circular muscle into lamellae. Methylene blue at 50 microM slightly decreased the resting membrane potential and increased the duration of slow waves, leading to an increase in the force of phasic contractions, with no significant influence on other slow-wave parameters. Methylene blue produced neither electrophysiological nor mechanical effects on circular muscle preparations from which the submuscular ICC network was removed, indicating that the excitatory effects of methylene blue on the full-thickness circular muscle layer were mediated by ICC. In summary, the three-dimensional aspects of the submuscular ICC network can be visualized after selective staining by methylene blue. This staining does not affect physiological characteristics of smooth muscle cells.

scholarly journals Relationship between interstitial cells of Cajal, fibroblast-like cells and inhibitory motor nerves in the internal anal sphincter

2011 ◽  
Vol 344 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline A. Cobine ◽  
Grant W. Hennig ◽  
Masaaki Kurahashi ◽  
Kenton M. Sanders ◽  
Sean M. Ward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anal Sphincter ◽  
Internal Anal Sphincter ◽  
Interstitial Cells Of Cajal ◽  
Interstitial Cells ◽  
Motor Nerves ◽  
Cells Of Cajal

scholarly journals Abnormalities of digestive tract innervation in rat fetus treated with ethylenethiourea

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 244-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidney Pereira Pinto Lemos ◽  
José Luiz Martins ◽  
Patrícia Veruska Ribeiro Barbosa Lemos ◽  
Silvio Romero Gonçalves e Silva ◽  
Fernando Leandro dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Myenteric Plexus ◽  
Interstitial Cells Of Cajal ◽  
Muscle Layer ◽  
Interstitial Cells ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Nerve Plexus ◽  
Cells Of Cajal ◽  
Experimental Group

PURPOSE: The pathophysiology of abnormalities associated with myenteric plexus lesions remains imperfectly understood. Such abnormalities have been correlated with subocclusive intestinal conditions in children with Hirschsprung's disease, cases of chronic constipation and, postoperatively, in cases of anorectal anomalies. This study evaluated abnormalities of the myenteric plexus in fetus from female rats that received ethylenethiourea. METHODS: Female rats were exposed to ethylenethiourea on the 11th day of pregnancy (experimental group) or to 0.9% physiological solution (control group). Abnormalities were only found in the experimental group. The digestive tract muscle layer was analyzed morphometrically and changes to the frequencies of nerve plexus cells and interstitial cells of Cajal were evaluated, using hematoxylin-eosin, S-100 protein, neuron-specific enolase and C-Kit, respectively. RESULTS: Muscle and skeletal abnormalities were observed in 100%, anorectal anomalies in 86%, absent tail in 71%, short tail in 29%, duodenal atresia in 5%, esophageal atresia in 5% and persistent omphalomesenteric duct in 5%. Histopathological analysis showed a thinner muscle layer associated with lower frequencies of ganglion cells and interstitial cells of Cajal, in all gastrointestinal tract. CONCLUSION: Severe nerve plexus abnormalities associated with muscle layer atrophy were observed throughout the gastrointestinal tract in newborn rats exposed to ethylenethiourea.

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