Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in equine colic: an immunohistochemical study of horses with obstructive disorders of the small and large intestines.
BACKGROUND
The gastrointestinal pacemaker cells, the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), have been implicated in several human gastrointestinal dysmotility syndromes. Recently, the involvement of these cells in equine gastrointestinal diseases has been investigated in cases of equine grass sickness where a significant reduction in ICC density was observed.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate ICC density in equine obstructive gastrointestinal disorders using immunohistochemical labelling methods.


METHODS
Intestinal samples were analysed from 44 horses undergoing exploratory surgery for colic and from 11 control animals subjected to euthanasia for conditions not related to the gastrointestinal tract. Immunohistochemical labelling of ICC was carried out using an anti-c-Kit antibody. Two independent observers assessed ICC density using a semiquantitative grading system.


RESULTS
There was a significant reduction in ICC density in horses with large colon disorders compared to the controls (P<0.01). Horses with strangulating lesions of the small intestine showed no difference when compared to the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
There was a reduction in ICC density in horses with large intestinal disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
The reduction in ICC density may be associated with the clinical findings as well as recurrent colic episodes observed in a number of these cases. This immunohistochemical study provides a basis for future functional electrophysiological investigations to determine the precise effect of ICC reduction on equine intestinal motility.
Fintl
C
C
Gastrointestinal Motility and Disease Laboratory, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1QH, UK.
Hudson
N P H
NP
Mayhew
I G
IG
Edwards
G B
GB
Proudman
C J
CJ
Pearson
G T
GT
D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003085:Colic / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003106:Colon / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology; D004064:Digestive System / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D006736:Horses; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology
D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit