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Heme oxygenase, carbon monoxide, and interstitial cells of Cajal
Author(s) -
Farrugia Gianrico,
Szurszewski Joseph H.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0029(19991201)47:5<321::aid-jemt3>3.0.co;2-j
Subject(s) - interstitial cell of cajal , heme oxygenase , motility , carbon monoxide , chemistry , interstitial cell , myocyte , microbiology and biotechnology , heme , smooth muscle , biology , biochemistry , endocrinology , enzyme , catalysis
Interstitial cells of Cajal play a central role in the control of gastrointestinal motility. The mechanisms of communication between interstitial cells of Cajal and smooth muscle cells are to a large extent unknown. This article reviews the potential role of carbon monoxide as a messenger molecule between interstitial cells of Cajal and gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells. The machinery required for the formation of carbon monoxide is present in interstitial cells of Cajal and gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells express a target site of action for carbon monoxide, a potassium channel. Carbon monoxide may, therefore, be produced in interstitial cells of Cajal and function as a messenger molecule between interstitial cells of Cajal and gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells. Microsc. Res. Tech. 47:321–324, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.