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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Visualization of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) Network in Mice
Published on: July 27, 2011
c-kit immunoreactive interstitial cells of Cajal in the human small and large intestine
1Anatomy Department C, Panum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and mast cells in the human intestine were identified using c-kit immunohistochemistry. This reliable method aids in studying ICC distribution and function in both normal and diseased states.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are crucial for gastrointestinal motility.
- Understanding ICC distribution is vital for diagnosing and treating motility disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the distribution of ICC in the human small and large intestine using c-kit immunohistochemistry.
- To evaluate the utility of c-kit immunohistochemistry for studying ICC.
Main Methods:
- Unfixed frozen sections of human small and large intestine were analyzed using c-kit immunohistochemistry.
- ICC were identified based on morphology, localization, and organization.
- Mast cells were also identified and their distribution noted.
Main Results:
- ICC were found in the muscularis externa of both small and large intestines, with distinct distribution patterns.
- ICC were located near Auerbach's plexus in the small intestine and in the circular muscle layer and teniae in the large intestine.
- c-kit immunoreactive mast cells were primarily in the inner circular muscle layer.
Conclusions:
- C-kit immunohistochemistry is an effective and reliable method for identifying ICC in the human intestine.
- This technique facilitates further research into the normal and pathological roles of ICC.
Abstract:
c-kit immunohistochemistry was performed on unfixed frozen sections of human small (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and large intestine (ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon). The c-kit immunoreactive cells in the muscularis externa of the intestinal wall were identified as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and mast cells. ICC were identified by their morphology, localization, and organization based on previous light and electron microscopic studies. In the small intestine, ICC were located primarily in relation to the myenteric plexus of Auerbach, but also in septa between circular muscle lamellae. In the large intestine, ICC were seen in relation to Auerbach's plexus, but also and in great numbers in the circular muscle layer and in teniae of the longitudinal muscle layer. The morphology of the ICC was similar in the small and large intestine, but the pattern of distribution was obviously different. c-kit immunoreactive mast cells were found predominantly in the inner part of the circular muscle layer. The anti-c-kit method is found to be an easy and reliable method to study at least most of the interstitial cells of Cajal and thereby contribute to further normal and pathological studies.
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