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Specialized pacemaking cells in the human Fallopian tube
Ahmed Shafik1, Ali A Shafik, Olfat El Sibai
1Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. shafik@ahmedshafik.com
Molecular Human Reproduction
|August 27, 2005
Summary
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) were identified in the Fallopian tube (FT) for the first time. These ICC-like cells may initiate electrical activity, similar to their role in the gut.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are known to generate electric activity in the gut.
- The electrical activity of the Fallopian tube (FT) is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of ICCs in the human Fallopian tube.
- To determine if ICCs in the FT could be responsible for initiating tubal electrical activity.
Main Methods:
- Human Fallopian tube specimens were obtained from 21 female cadavers.
- Tissue sections were stained for c-kit, a marker for ICCs.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to identify and characterize ICC-like cells, with negative controls for specificity.
Main Results:
- Dendritic, c-kit-positive cells resembling ICCs were detected in the musculature of the Fallopian tubes.
- These cells were distinct from mast cells and smooth muscle cells.
- Immunoreactivity confirmed the presence of ICC-like cells, and controls showed no non-specific staining.
Conclusions:
- Cells with the morphologic and immunologic phenotype of ICCs have been identified in the human Fallopian tube.
- These newly identified cells may initiate slow waves in the Fallopian tube smooth muscle.
- Further functional studies are required to confirm the role of these cells in tubal physiology.