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Neural crest derivatives and neuroendocrine cells in the gut of anencephalic and fetuses without congenital defects
Author(s) -
BencomoLoeppky Samuel,
GarcíaRizk Jorge Arturo,
CervantesFlores Hugo Alberto,
LevarioCarrillo Margarita,
Fierro Murga Ricardo,
RezaLópez Sandra Alicia,
LoyaLoya Martha,
ChávezCorral Dora Virginia
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
birth defects research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.845
H-Index - 17
ISSN - 2472-1727
DOI - 10.1002/bdr2.1797
Subject(s) - chromogranin a , enteric nervous system , biology , neural crest , interstitial cell of cajal , fetus , pathology , enteroendocrine cell , anencephaly , medicine , anatomy , endocrinology , immunohistochemistry , endocrine system , microbiology and biotechnology , pregnancy , embryo , genetics , smooth muscle , hormone , immunology
Abstract Background The enteric nervous system (ENS), a component of the peripheral nervous system in the intestinal walls, regulates motility, secretion, absorption, and blood flow. Neural crest (NC) migration, fundamental for ENS development, may be altered by central nervous system development alterations, such as neural tube defects (NTD). Intestinal innervation anomalies have been correlated to NTD. We aim to describe the ENS on a fetus with NTD and fetuses without congenital defects (FWCD). Cases Two male and four female FWCD, 18–20 weeks‐gestation (WG), and a 25 WG female anencephalic fetus. Samples from the pancreatoduodenal groove, jejunum, cecum, rectum, and appendix were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Nervous plexuses were marked with Neuron‐specific enolase and S‐100; enteric glial cells with CD56; neuroendocrine cells with chromogranin and synaptophysin, and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) with CD117. Results and conclusion The anencephalic fetus presented a rudimentary brainstem with a cerebellum. Partial frontal, temporal, and occipital bones were found. A large atrial septal defect, an enlarged kidney with a duplex collecting system and a single adrenal gland were found. NSE, S100, and CD56, showed the presence of the myenteric and submucous plexuses of the ENS; scarce interplexus reactivity may indicate inadequate development. Pancreatic and gut neuroendocrine cells, identified with chromogranin and CD56, showed that the enteroendocrine system is present. Findings on FWCD using these markers are consistent with literature descriptions. Vagal NC migration appears to be unaffected despite the presence of anencephaly, although maturation of the ENS may be altered.