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Published on: October 12, 2017
Interstitial cells of Cajal network in primary obstructive megaureter
E Arena1, P A Nicòtina, S Arena
1Dipartimento di Scienze Pediatriche Mediche e Chirurgiche, Unità Operativa di Chirurgia Pediatrica, Università di Messina. arenaf@unime.it
Summary
Primary obstructive megaureter (POM) shows defective muscularization and a lack of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in restricted segments. However, ureteral nerve fibers remain normal in both dilated and restricted areas of POM.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Developmental Biology
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
Background:
- Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are crucial for gut motility.
- Previous studies indicated altered ICCs and nerve fibers in ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
- Primary obstructive megaureter (POM) is a congenital condition affecting the ureter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunoexpression of ICCs.
- To analyze ureteral innervation in primary obstructive megaureter (POM).
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry for C-kit (ICCs) and peripherin (nerve fibers).
- Analysis of 8 POM specimens, comparing dilated and restricted ureteral segments.
Main Results:
- Normal ICC distribution in dilated POM segments.
- Marked muscular hypoplasia and absent/sparse ICCs in restricted POM segments.
- Normal peripherin-positive nerve fiber distribution in all segments.
Conclusions:
- Confirms defective muscularization and aperistalsis in restricted POM segments.
- Suggests absence of c-kit positive embryological precursors contributes to ICC deficiency.
- Ureteral innervation network is unaffected in POM.
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