Deficiency of interstitial cells of Cajal in the small intestine of patients with Crohn's disease.
OBJECTIVE
Interstitial cells of Cajal are critical for the generation of electrical slow waves that regulate the phasic contractile activity of the tunica muscularis of the GI tract. Under certain pathophysiological conditions loss of interstitial cells of Cajal may play a role in the generation of certain motility disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine if there is an abnormality in the density or distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal from patients with Crohn's disease.


METHODS
Small intestines from control subjects and patients with Crohn's disease were examined using immunohistochemistry and antibodies against the Kit receptor, which is expressed in interstitial cells of Cajal within the tunica muscularis of the GI tract. The density and distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal were assessed in the longitudinal and circular muscle layers and in the myenteric and deep muscular plexus regions of Crohn's and control tissues.


RESULTS
Tissues from Crohn's disease patients showed an almost complete abolition of interstitial cells of Cajal within the longitudinal and circular muscle layers and a significant reduction in numbers at the level of the myenteric and deep muscular plexuses.


CONCLUSIONS
In tissues from Crohn's disease patients, the density of interstitial cells of Cajal was reduced throughout the tunica muscularis in comparison to control small intestines. The disturbance of intestinal motility that occurs in patients with Crohn's disease may be a consequence of the loss of or defects in specific populations of interstitial cells of Cajal within the tunica muscularis.
Porcher
Christophe
C
Department of Physiology and Neurophysiology, CNRS-ESA 6034, Faculé des Sciences de Saint-Jérĵme, Marseille, France.
Baldo
Marjolaine
M
Henry
Monique
M
Orsoni
Pierre
P
Julé
Yvon
Y
Ward
Sean M
SM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000473:pathology*; D046508:Culture Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity