Related Experiment Videos
Megaoesophagus in the mouse: histochemical and ultrastructural studies
H P Randelia1, K N Panicker, V S Lalitha
1Comparative Oncology and Animal Sciences Division, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Bombay, India.
Laboratory Animals
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Megaesophagus in ICRC mice is primarily caused by nerve issues, not muscle problems. Studies show abnormalities in smooth muscle and nerve tissue, suggesting a neurogenic origin for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Histology
Background:
- Megaesophagus, a condition characterized by abnormal esophageal dilation, can have various etiologies.
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms of megaesophagus is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histochemical and ultrastructural changes in the esophageal muscle coat of ICRC mice with spontaneous megaesophagus.
- To determine whether the cause of megaesophagus in ICRC mice is neurogenic or myogenic.
Main Methods:
- Histochemical and ultrastructural analysis of esophageal tissue from ICRC/HiCri mice (affected) and DBA/2fNCri mice (control).
- Comparative examination of esophageal muscle coat and associated nerve plexus at different ages (5-day, 10-day, 3-month, 1-year-old).
Main Results:
- ICRC mice exhibited smooth muscle in the abdominal esophagus, unlike controls where it was limited to the stomach junction.
- Ultrastructural studies revealed normal muscle coats in young ICRC mice but showed abnormalities in smooth muscle fibers, paucity of nerve plexus, and collagen deposition in older mice.
- These abnormalities progressively worsened with age throughout the abdominal esophageal segment.
Conclusions:
- The primary cause of megaesophagus in ICRC mice is suggested to be neurogenic, involving nerve tissue abnormalities.
- The findings indicate that the condition is not myogenic, as initially muscle structure appeared normal in younger animals.