Interstitial cells of Cajal in health and disease

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

252 Scopus citations

Abstract

The gastrointestinal tract serves the physiological function of digesting and absorbing nutrients from food and physically mixing and propelling these contents in an oral to anal direction. These functions require the coordinated interaction of several cell types, including enteric nerves, immune cells and smooth muscle. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are now recognized as another cell type that are required for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Abnormalities in ICC numbers and networks are associated with several gastrointestinal motility disorders. This review will describe what is known about the function and role of ICC both in health and in a variety of motility disorders with a focus on unresolved issues pertaining to their role in the control of gastrointestinal motility.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)54-63
Number of pages10
JournalNeurogastroenterology and Motility
Volume20
Issue numberSUPPL. 1
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2008

Keywords

  • Enteric nerves
  • Ion channels
  • Motility
  • Smooth muscle

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
  • Gastroenterology

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