Open AccessInterstitial cells of Cajal in the gut - A gastroenterologist’s point of view
Author(s) -
Lucian Negreanu,
Philippe Assor,
Radu Bogdan Mateescu,
Cătălin Cîrstoiu
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.14.6285
Subject(s) - interstitial cell of cajal , achalasia , medicine , pathology , stromal cell , pathogenesis , constipation , gastroenterology , esophagus , immunohistochemistry
Alterations of normal function of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are reported in many intestinal disorders. Diagnosis of their involvement is rare (infrequent), but necessary to propose a specific treatment. This article reviews the place of ICC in the pathogenesis of achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and slow transit constipation. Moreover we discuss the role of the Cajal cells in the development of stromal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.