Premium
Murine genetic deficiency of neuronal nitric oxide synthase ( nNOS ‐/‐ ) and interstitial cells of C ajal ( W / W v ): Implications for achalasia?
Author(s) -
Müller Michaela,
Colcuc Sebastian,
Drescher Daniel G.,
Eckardt Alexander J.,
Pein Harald,
Taube Christian,
Schumacher Johannes,
Gockel Henning R.,
Schimanski Carl C.,
Lang Hauke,
Gockel Ines
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1111/jgh.12600
Subject(s) - interstitial cell of cajal , achalasia , vasoactive intestinal peptide , nitric oxide , peristalsis , endocrinology , motility , medicine , nitric oxide synthase , in vivo , myenteric plexus , pathology , immunohistochemistry , esophagus , smooth muscle , biology , receptor , neuropeptide , microbiology and biotechnology
Background and Aim Nitric oxide ( NO ) is an important inhibitory mediator of esophageal function, and its lack leads to typical features of achalasia. In contrast, the role of intramuscular interstitial cells of C ajal ( ICC‐IM ) and vasoactive intestinal peptide ( VIP ) in lower esophageal sphincter ( LES ) function is still controversial. Therefore, we examined the function and morphology of the LES in vivo in NO ‐deficient ( nNOS ‐/‐ ), ICC‐IM ‐deficient ( W / W v )‐, and wild‐type ( WT ) mice. Methods Esophageal manometry was performed with a micro‐sized transducer catheter to quantify LES pressure, swallow evoked LES relaxation, and esophageal body motility. The LES morphology was examined by semiquantitative analysis of the immunoreactivity (reduction grade I – IV ) of neuronal NOS ( nNOS ), ICC‐IM , and VIP and their correlation with esophageal function. Results nNOS ‐/‐ in comparison to WT mice showed a significantly higher LES mean resting pressure with an impaired swallow induced relaxation, whereas W / W v mice had a hypotensive LES with decreased relaxation. W / W v and nNOS ‐/‐ mice demonstrated differing degrees of tubular esophageal dysfunction. The reduced immunoreactivity of nNOS correlated with an increased LES pressure and decreased LES relaxation, respectively. C ajal‐cell reduction correlated with impaired LES relaxation, whereas VIP reduction revealed no correlation with esophageal function. Conclusions The reduction of ICC‐IM and nNOS can cause dysfunction of the LES and esophageal peristalsis, whereas VIP reduction seems to have no effect. ICC‐IM and nNOS deficiency might be independent relevant causes of esophageal dysfunction similar to that seen in human achalasia.