title: Effect of da-cheng-qi decoction on the repair of the injured enteric nerve-interstitial cells of cajal-smooth muscle cells network in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
abstract: Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) group, and Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) group. The network of enteric nerves-interstitial cells of Cajal- (ICC-) smooth muscle cells (SMC) in small intestine was observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the numbers of cholinergic/nitriergic nerves, and the deep muscular plexus of ICC (ICC-DMP) and connexin43 (Cx43) in small intestine with MODS were significantly decreased. The network integrity of enteric nerves-ICC-SMC was disrupted. The ultrastructures of ICC-DMP, enteric nerves, and SMC were severely damaged. After treatment with DCQD, the damages were repaired and the network integrity of enteric nerves ICC-SMC was significantly recovered. In conclusion, the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal motility dysfunction in MODS in part may be due to the damages to enteric nerves-ICC-SMC network and gap junctions. The therapeutic mechanism of DCQD in part may be that it could repair the damages and maintain the integrity of enteric nerves ICC-SMC network.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Liaoning 116011, China.
authors.forename: Mu-Cang
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Liaoning 116011, China.
authors.forename: Ming-Zheng
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Liaoning 116011, China.
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Liaoning 116011, China.
authors.forename: Qing-Hui
authors.initials: QH
authors.lastname: Qi