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Visualization of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) Network in Mice
Published on: July 27, 2011
Ulcerative colitis: ultrastructure of interstitial cells in myenteric plexus
J J Rumessen1, J-M Vanderwinden, T Horn
1Department of Gastroenterology F, Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark. juru@geh.regionh.dk
Ultrastructural Pathology
|June 24, 2010
Summary
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the colon of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients show degenerative changes and altered contact with nerve terminals, suggesting a role in UC pathophysiology. These findings highlight potential mechanisms underlying gut dysfunction in severe UC.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are crucial for regulating gastrointestinal motility.
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon.
- Alterations in gut innervation and cellular structure are implicated in UC pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural and cytological changes in myenteric ICC and associated cells in the colon of patients with severe ulcerative colitis (UC).
- To explore the potential pathophysiological significance of observed cellular alterations in UC.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine colonic tissue samples from UC patients and controls.
- Ultrastructural analysis focused on myenteric ICC, nerve terminals, glial cells, muscle cells, and fibroblast-like cells (FLC).
- Cytological features and cell-cell interactions were assessed.
Main Results:
- Myenteric ICC in UC patients exhibited myoid ultrastructural features and close proximity to nerve terminals.
- Degenerative changes, including lipid droplets and irregular vacuoles, were observed in ICC profiles of UC patients.
- Nerve terminals frequently appeared swollen and empty, while FLC enclosed macrophages in close contact with naked axon terminals.
- No significant alterations were noted in glial cells, muscle cells, or FLC.
Conclusions:
- Severe ulcerative colitis is associated with significant ultrastructural and cytological changes in colonic ICC and nerve terminals.
- The observed degenerative changes in ICC and nerve alterations may contribute to the pathophysiology of UC.
- Fibroblast-like cells and associated macrophages might play a role in the inflammatory and degenerative processes in UC colons.
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