Mutation of the proto‐oncogene c‐kit blocks development of interstitial cells and electrical rhythmicity in murine intestine.

摘要: 1. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICs) have been proposed as pacemakers in the gastrointestinal tract. We studied characteristics and distribution ICs electrical activity small intestinal muscles from mice with mutations at dominant-white spotting/c-kit (W) locus because tyrosine kinase function c-kit may be important development IC network. 2. W/WV mutants (days 3-30 postpartum) had few myenteric plexus region compared wild type (+/+) siblings. The present were associated neural elements lay between ganglia longitudinal muscle layer. 3. Electrical recordings strips showed that slow waves always +/+ siblings, but absent mice. 4. Muscles responded to stimulation intrinsic nerves. Neural responses, attributed release acetylcholine, nitric oxide other unidentified transmitters, recorded. 5. These findings are consistent hypothesis a critical element generation rhythmicity muscles. data also show regulation can develop independently 6. W provide powerful new model for studies physiological role significance normal motility.