title: Interstitial cells of Cajal in chagasic megaesophagus.
abstract: Chagasic visceromegalies are the most important digestive manifestations of Chagas disease and are characterized by motor disorders and dilation of organs such as esophagus and colon. One of the theories raised to explain the physiopathogenesis of chagasic megas is the plexus theory. Recent studies have shown a reduction of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in the colon of chagasic patients. These cells are present throughout the gastrointestinal tract and are considered to be pacemaker cells, that is, they are responsible for coordinating peristalsis and for mediating nerve impulses. In view of the lack of studies on these cells in megaesophagus and the previous observation of a reduction of ICCs in chagasic megacolons, we compared the distribution of ICCs in the esophagus of chagasic and nonchagasic patients to contribute to a better understanding of the physiopathogenesis of this esophageal disease. Esophageal biopsy samples from 10 chagasic and 5 nonchagasic patients were used. Cells were identified with the anti-CD117 antibody. The number of ICCs was quantified in longitudinal and circular muscle layers and myenteric plexus. The results were analyzed statistically by comparison of means. An intense reduction in the number of ICCs was observed in muscle layers and in the myenteric plexus of patients with megaesophagus. We conclude that there is an intense reduction of ICCs in the esophagus of chagasic patients when compared to nonchagasic patients, a finding supporting the important role of these cells in gastrointestinal tract motility. A deficiency in these cells might be implied in the genesis of megaesophagus.
authors.affiliation: Parasitology Division, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais 38025-180, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcus Aurelho
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: de Lima
authors.affiliation: Parasitology Division, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais 38025-180, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marlene
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cabrine-Santos
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais 38025-180, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcelo Garcia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Tavares
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais 38025-180, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gustavo Pacheco
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Gerolin
authors.affiliation: Parasitology Division, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais 38025-180, Brazil.
authors.forename: Eliane
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lages-Silva
authors.affiliation: Parasitology Division, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais 38025-180, Brazil. Electronic address: parasito_fmtm@mednet.com.br.
authors.forename: Luis Eduardo
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Ramirez
mesh_terms: D002452:Cell Count; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000473:pathology; D009197:Myenteric Plexus / Q000473:pathology