Megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome and the absence of the alpha3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit.
OBJECTIVE
The megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS) is a rare disease of childhood that presents early with intestinal hypoperistalsis, hydronephrosis, and hydroureters. Transgenic mice that lack the alpha3 subunit containing nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChR) have a phenotype similar to that of MMIHS.


METHODS
We examined the expression of this subunit in control and MMIHS tissue derived from patients using in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunocytochemistry (ICC).


RESULTS
In controls, both techniques showed a wide distribution of alpha3 nAChRs present in ganglion cells, muscle, and epithelium. By contrast, most MMIHS tissue gave negative staining with ISH and variable results with ICC.


CONCLUSIONS
These observations are consistent with a lack of alpha3 nAChRs contributing to the pathogenesis of MMIHS.
Richardson
C E
CE
Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, Wales CF14 4XW, UK.
Morgan
J M
JM
Jasani
B
B
Green
J T
JT
Rhodes
J
J
Williams
G T
GT
Lindstrom
J
J
Wonnacott
S
S
Thomas
G A
GA
Smith
V
V
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003106:Colon / Q000002:abnormalities*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010528:Peristalsis; D010641:Phenotype; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000002:abnormalities*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic