Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Visualization of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) Network in Mice
09:45

Visualization of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) Network in Mice

Published on: July 27, 2011

Ontogeny of interstitial cells of Cajal in the human intestine

S E Kenny1, G Connell, M N Woodward

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery and University of Liverpool, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, England, UK.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|August 31, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are present early in human gut development. Their postnatal development and regional variations are crucial for interpreting potential abnormalities in neonatal disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Histology

Background:

  • Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are recognized as intestinal pacemaker cells.
  • Abnormalities in ICC are linked to neonatal gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the fetal and postnatal differentiation and development of ICC in the human gastrointestinal tract.
  • To provide a basis for interpreting pathological specimens related to ICC abnormalities.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemical staining of human gastrointestinal specimens from fetuses, neonates, and children.
  • Antibodies used included c-kit (ICC marker) and PGP9.5 (neural tissue marker).

Main Results:

  • C-kit-positive ICC were found throughout the gut from early gestational ages.
  • ICC distribution varied by gestational age and gut region.
  • ICC network maturation continues postnatally in a region-specific manner.

Conclusions:

  • ICC are present early in human gut development.
  • Postnatal development and regional variations in ICC networks are important considerations.
  • Apparent ICC abnormalities require careful interpretation considering normal developmental processes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses07:42

Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses

Published on: July 13, 2016

Applications of Spatio-temporal Mapping and Particle Analysis Techniques to Quantify Intracellular Ca2+ Signaling In Situ09:34

Applications of Spatio-temporal Mapping and Particle Analysis Techniques to Quantify Intracellular Ca2+ Signaling In Situ

Published on: January 7, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Adult Stem Cells01:33

Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce more stem cells or progenitor cells that differentiate into mature, specialized cell types. All the cells in the body are generated from stem cells in the early embryo, but small populations of stem cells are also present in many adult tissues including the bone marrow, brain, skin, and gut. These adult stem cells typically produce the various cell types found in that tissue—to replace cells that are damaged or to continuously renew...
Anatomy of the Intestines01:53

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.Small IntestinesThe small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small intestine...
Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells01:23

Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells

The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...
Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal01:12

Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Histology of the Small Intestine01:27

Histology of the Small Intestine

The small intestine exhibits a unique histological structure that significantly enhances its function in digestion and nutrient absorption. These structures include circular folds, villi, and various specialized cells that collectively facilitate the digestion of food.
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...