Vol. 281, Issue 6, G1329-G1332, December 2001
THEME
Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Interstitial Cell of Cajal: From Bench to Bedside
III. Interaction of interstitial cells
of Cajal with neuromediators: an interim assessment
E. E.
Daniel
Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada T6G 2H7
Interstitial cells of
Cajal (ICC) control gastrointestinal motility; some pace slow waves and
others act in enteric neurotransmission. This review asks the question,
does either class of ICC receive and respond to messages carried by
neuromediators from these nerves? Relevant evidence includes the
presence of receptors or responses to exogenous neuromediators and
responses to endogenous neuromediators. Some pacemaking ICC networks
have receptors for or respond to some exogenous neuromediators. None is
known to respond to endogenous neuromediators. Intramuscular ICC have
receptors for and respond to some neuromediators and are required in
mice for responses to the exogenous and endogenous neuromediators
nitric oxide and acetylcholine. The mechanisms underlying this
requirement remain unclear. ICC pathologies exist, but their origins
are unknown.
intestinal pacemaking; intestinal neurotransmission; nitric oxide; acetylcholine; substance P
