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Interstitial cells of Cajal: are they major players in control of gastrointestinal motility?
Author(s) -
DANIEL E. E.,
BEREZIN I.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
neurogastroenterology and motility
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.489
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1365-2982
pISSN - 1350-1925
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2982.1992.tb00074.x
Subject(s) - interstitial cell of cajal , myenteric plexus , motility , enteric nervous system , biology , circular muscle , smooth muscle , cholinergic , interstitial cell , neuroscience , gap junction , gastrointestinal function , neurotransmission , vasoactive intestinal peptide , anatomy , medicine , receptor , microbiology and biotechnology , endocrinology , immunohistochemistry , neuropeptide , immunology , biochemistry , intracellular
This review examines recent evidence from structural and functional studies that interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) play a major role in control of gastrointestinal function. These cells, identified to date only by their structural and somewhat selective staining characteristics, form networks in the region of the myentehc plexus and in or adjacent to circular muscle. Those in circular muscle are often coupled to one another and to smooth muscle cells by gap junctions and are closely innervated by a high proportion of enteric nerves, especially those containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). ICC in the myenteric plexus often have no visible connections by gap junctions to smooth muscle. There is a growing body of evidence from study of small intestine and colon that these cells are either the pacemakers or provide clocks for the pacemaking function of the gut (vahously known as slow waves, pacesetter potentials or control potentials). Additional evidence suggests that they may play a role in neurotransmission of non‐adrenergic, non‐cholinergic inhibitory activity. This review summarizes our current understanding and attempts to point the way for future research.