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Cajal-like cells in the human upper urinary tract
Roman Metzger1, Tobias Schuster, Holger Till
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Munich, Germany. roman.metzger@med.uni-muenchen.de
The Journal of Urology
|July 13, 2004
Summary
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs)-like cells are present throughout the human ureter. These cells, identified by the c-kit receptor, may play a role in urinary tract function.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) regulate gut motility via smooth muscle slow wave activity.
- The presence and function of ICCs in the human upper urinary tract remain uncharacterized.
- The c-kit receptor (CD117) is a known marker for ICCs.
Observation:
- This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of c-kit receptor-positive cells in the human ureter.
- Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed on 56 human ureter samples.
- Various cell markers were used to differentiate cell types expressing c-kit.
Findings:
- C-kit receptor was detected in three cell types within the ureter.
- Mast cells and urothelial cells expressed c-kit.
- Spindle-shaped cells expressing only c-kit, resembling ICCs, were found in the lamina propria and smooth muscle layers.
- These ICC-like cells showed a slight decrease from proximal to distal ureter segments.
Implications:
- The study demonstrates the presence and widespread distribution of ICC-like cells in the human ureter.
- Further functional studies are needed to elucidate the physiological and pathological roles of these cells.
- Understanding these cells could inform treatments for conditions involving urinary outflow disturbances.