Is Interstitial Cells of Cajal-opathy Present in Gastroparesis?.

Author: Mohammad BASHASHATI ¹ ; Richard W MCCALLUM
Author Information

1. Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA. richard.mccallum@ttuhsc.edu
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: Gastroparesis; Interstitial cells of Cajal; Physiopathology
MeSH: Gastric Emptying; Gastrointestinal Tract; Gastroparesis*; Humans; Interstitial Cells of Cajal; Models, Animal; Muscle, Smooth; Neurons
From:Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2015;21(4):486-493
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: Gastroparesis (GP), defined as delayed gastric emptying in the absence of any mechanical obstruction, is a challenging clinical condition, mainly because of limited treatment options. Studies in animal models of delayed gastric emptying as well as patients with gastroparesis revealed depletion or ultrastructural changes of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the gastric tissue, recently termed ICC-opathy. ICC are the pacemakers of the gastrointestinal tract and are involved in the transmission of the neuronal signaling to the smooth muscles. Therefore, lack of ICC could be one explanation of delayed gastric emptying in gastroparetic patients. How frequently ICC changes are observed in gastroparesis is not yet clear. In this review, the data on gastric ICC counts and morphology in animal models and patients with gastroparesis are discussed.