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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Visualization of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) Network in Mice
09:45

Visualization of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) Network in Mice

Published on: July 27, 2011

Interstitial cells of Cajal in health and disease

G Farrugia1

  • 1Enteric NeuroScience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. farrugia.gianrico@mayo.edu

Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|April 18, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are crucial for gastrointestinal function. This review explores their role in motility disorders and highlights unresolved questions regarding their control of gut movement.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The gastrointestinal tract relies on coordinated cell interactions for digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are essential for normal gastrointestinal function.
  • Disruptions in ICC networks are linked to gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the known functions and roles of ICC in gastrointestinal motility.
  • To examine the involvement of ICC in various motility disorders.
  • To identify unresolved issues concerning ICC's role in gut motility control.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on ICC.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on ICC in health and disease.
  • Synthesis of information on ICC function and dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • ICC are integral to the coordinated functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Abnormalities in ICC are associated with a range of gastrointestinal motility disorders.
  • The precise mechanisms by which ICC control gut motility are still under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • ICC play a critical role in maintaining gastrointestinal motility.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex role of ICC in health and disease.
  • Understanding ICC function is key to developing treatments for motility disorders.

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