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Related Experiment Videos

Interstitial cells in the vasculature.

M I Harhun1, V Pucovský, O V Povstyan

  • 1Ion Channel and Cell Signalling, Basic Medical Sciences, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK.

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|June 21, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Interstitial cells in blood vessels, similar to those in the gut, generate electrical signals. Research suggests these vascular interstitial cells may act as pacemakers in some blood vessels.

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Area of Science:

  • Vascular biology
  • Cell physiology
  • Gastrointestinal physiology

Background:

  • Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are crucial for gastrointestinal motility.
  • Similar cells, termed vascular interstitial cells, are found in blood vessel walls.
  • These cells share morphological and molecular markers (c-kit) with ICC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the characteristics and function of vascular interstitial cells.
  • To explore their role in vascular electrical activity and smooth muscle regulation.
  • To compare their properties with gastrointestinal ICC.

Main Methods:

  • Electron microscopy
  • Immunohistochemistry (c-kit staining)
  • Tight-seal patch-clamp electrophysiology

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  • Confocal fluorescence imaging of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) transients

    • Main Results:

    • Vascular interstitial cells exhibit numerous processes and express c-kit.
    • Dispersed cells show Ca2+ release events from the endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum (e.g., Ca2+ sparks).
    • Interstitial cells from the rabbit portal vein display rhythmic Ca2+ oscillations and membrane depolarizations, suggesting a pacemaker role.

    Conclusions:

    • Vascular interstitial cells possess electrophysiological and calcium signaling properties.
    • In spontaneously active vessels like the rabbit portal vein, these cells may function as pacemakers for vascular smooth muscle.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the function of interstitial cells in other vascular beds, such as mesenteric arteries.