Open AccessTelocytes and interstitial cells of Cajal in the biliary system
Author(s) -
Chen Lei,
Yu Baoping
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/jcmm.13643
Subject(s) - interstitial cell of cajal , interstitial cell , gallbladder , pathology , bile duct , biology , ultrastructure , sphincter of oddi , anatomy , medicine , immunohistochemistry
A novel type of interstitial tissue cells in the biliary tree termed telocytes ( TC s), formerly known as interstitial Cajal‐like cells ( ICLC s), exhibits very particular features which unequivocally distinguish these cells from interstitial cells of Cajal ( ICC s) and other interstitial cell types. Current research substantiates the existence of TC s and ICC s in the biliary system (gallbladder, extrahepatic bile duct, cystic duct, common bile duct and sphincter of Oddi). Here, we review the distribution, morphology and ultrastructure of TC s and ICC s in the biliary tree, with emphasis on their presumptive roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes.