The significance of interstitial cells in neurogastroenterology.

摘要: Smooth muscle layers of the gastrointestinal tract consist a heterogeneous population cells that include enteric neurons, several classes interstitial mesenchymal origin, variety immune and smooth (SMCs). Over last number years complexity interactions between these cell types has begun to emerge. For example, cells, consisting both Cajal (ICC) platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha-positive (PDGFRα+) generate pacemaker activity throughout (GI) also transduce motor nerve signals mechanosensitivity adjacent SMCs. ICC PDGFRα+ are electrically coupled SMCs possibly via gap junctions forming multicellular functional syncytium termed SIP syncytium. Cells make up highly specialized containing unique receptors, ion channels intracellular signaling pathways regulate excitability GI muscles. The role in coordinating motility is evident by altered patterns animal models where networks disrupted. Although considerable advances have been made recent on our understanding roles within syncytium, full physiological functions consequences their disruption muscles not clearly defined. This review gives synopsis history discovery highlights structural, molecular expression tract.