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Visualization of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) Network in Mice
Published on: July 27, 2011
Interstitial cells of Cajal in the murine gallbladder
Xiaomin Sun1, Baoping Yu, Long Xu
1First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Science and Technology University, Luoyang, Henan Province, China.
Insights
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) were found in the gallbladder wall of CD1 mice. These cells, crucial for gut motility, were identified using immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, confirming their presence in this organ.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are recognized as critical components of the gastrointestinal tract, regulating motility.
- Their presence and function in organs beyond the stomach and intestines are areas of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence and distribution of ICC within the gallbladder wall of CD1 mice.
- To characterize the morphology and confirm the expression of ICC markers in gallbladder tissue.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescent confocal microscopy was employed to visualize ICC morphology and distribution in whole-mount and dispersed gallbladder cells.
- Transmission electron microscopy and methylene blue staining were used for detailed ultrastructural analysis and ICC identification.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot assays confirmed the expression of the ICC-specific marker, c-kit.
Main Results:
- c-kit-positive cells, indicative of ICC, were identified throughout the gallbladder wall and in enzyme-dispersed cells.
- ICC were observed to form a network within the gallbladder wall.
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed characteristic features of ICC, including well-developed endoplasmic reticulum, abundant mitochondria, and specific caveolae, with myosin filaments absent.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the presence of Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) within the murine gallbladder wall.
- This finding suggests a potential role for ICC in gallbladder function and motility.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific functions of ICC in the gallbladder.
Objective:
The presence of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) has been described throughout the digestive tract. In this study, we investigated whether ICC also exist in the gallbladder wall of CD1 mice.
Material And Methods:
Immunofluorescent confocal microscopy was used to identify the morphology and distribution of ICC in either whole-mount flat preparations or enzyme-dispersed cells from the gallbladder of CD1 mice. Methylene blue staining and transmission electron microscopy were performed to detect the presence of ICC, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to confirm the expressions of ICC-specific marker c-kit in the gallbladder tissues.
Results:
The presence of c-kit-positive cells was demonstrated in both the gallbladder wall and the enzyme-dispersed cells. The ICC were distributed throughout the wall of the gallbladder and organized into a network. Under transmission electron microscopy, ICC were characterized by their well-developed perinuclear endoplasmic reticulum, abundant mitochondria, free ribosomes and intermediate filaments, and distinctive caveolae and lack of myosin filaments. The expressions of ICC-specific marker c-kit were also confirmed in the gallbladder tissue.
Conclusion:
The murine gallbladder wall contains ICC.
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