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PURPOSE: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) play a core function in colonic motility as a pacemaker by regulating the slow wave. We intended to investigate the electrophysiological characteristics of the circular smooth muscle in the human colon, especially in Koreans. METHODS: Colon tissues were obtained from patients undergoing an elective colectomy for non-obstructive lesions. Tissues were immediately stored in oxygenated Krebs-Ringer's bicarbonate solution, and conventional microelectrode recordings of the colonic circular muscle were done from muscle cells. RESULTS: The trans-membrane potentials from 100 tissues were recorded. Regular slow-wave patterns were observed in 36 patients, and 64 patients showed irregular wave patterns. In the tissues exhibiting regular slow-wave patterns, 20 tissues were recorded from the proximal colon and 16 from the distal colon. The frequency of the slow wave from the proximal part was significantly higher than that from the distal part. The resting membrane potential, the upstroke amplitude, the spike amplitude, and the maximal rate of rise showed no significant difference between the two parts, but the time to reach half amplitude did show a significant difference between the two parts. No significant differences in parameters were observed based on the patients' demographics such as sex and age (younger or older than 60). We were able to divide the irregular waves into 3 groups. Irregular slow waves were observed in 35 tissues, irregular slow waves mixed with spike waves were observed in 26 tissues, and spike waves alone were observed in 3 tissues. CONCLUSION: We analyzed the electrophysiological characteristics of the human colonic circular smooth muscle, especially those of the slow wave originating from ICC of patients who had not been pretreated with drugs.
Colectomy ; Colon ; Demography ; Humans ; Interstitial Cells of Cajal ; Membrane Potentials ; Microelectrodes ; Muscle Cells ; Muscle, Smooth ; Muscles ; Oxygen

Slow transit constipation(STC)is the common type of chronic idiopathic constipation. Due to failure of routine conservative treatment, laxatives abuse is the most choice for majority of the patients, which could damage the enteric nervous system and result in aggravation of constipation. Resection of the slow transit colon is the ultimate option for some patients. It is hard to prevent and treat STC clinically because of the unknown pathophysiologic mechanism. Abnormalities of enteric neurotransmitters such as VIP, SP, NOS and decreased number of interstitial cells of Cajal have been described in the colon of the patients with STC. However, long term application of stimulant laxatives can also result in the almost same changes in the colon. Exploration of the potential relationship among the above reported abnormalities is the direction of future study.
Constipation ; physiopathology ; Enteric Nervous System ; physiopathology ; Gastrointestinal Transit ; physiology ; Humans ; Interstitial Cells of Cajal ; cytology

1.Does Decreased c-KIT Expression in Myenteric Interstitial Cells of Cajal Cause Decreased Spontaneous Contraction in Murine Proximal Colon?.

2.Is This the Era of Interstitial Cells of Cajal Transplantation?.

3.Voltage-dependent Ca2+ Current Identified in Freshly Isolated Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) of Guinea-pig Stomach.

4.The Important Roles of Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Cholinergic Receptors on Diabetes Related Dysfunction of Colon.

5.Overexpression of Stromal Interaction Molecule 1/Store-operated Calcium Entry-associated Regulatory Factor in Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Mouse Jejunum Impairs Pacemaker Activity

6.Aging Decreases the Density of Colonic Interstitial Cells of Cajal Associated With Constipation in Rats

7.Electrophysiological Characteristics of Human Colon Circular Muscle.

8.A Case of Chronic Neuropathic Pseudo-obstruction of the Colon.

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

10.Pathophysiology of slow transit constipation.

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