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Journal of anatomy2004; 205(1); 35-44; doi: 10.1111/j.0021-8782.2004.00315.x

The development and distribution of the interstitial cells of Cajal in the intestine of the equine fetus and neonate.

Abstract: This study set out to determine the pattern of development and distribution of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the intestinal tract of the equine fetus and neonate. Intestinal tissue samples from 12 naturally aborted equine fetuses and three euthanized neonates were collected and fixed in formalin prior to applying standard immunohistochemical labelling techniques targeting the c-Kit protein of the ICC. At 6 months of gestation, a network of ICC was present in the myenteric plexus region of both the small and the large intestine. ICC were also present within the circular muscle layer. In the large intestine, a proximal to distal gradient of distribution was evident, with few ICC observed in the more distal parts of the large intestine in the younger fetuses compared with the near-term animals. A transmural gradient of distribution was also evident within the large intestine, with the most luminal part of the muscularis externa being the last area to be colonized by ICC. This region did not appear fully developed until the early neonatal period. An increased density of ICC was noted throughout the large intestine in the regions of the taenial bands in all animals. This study is the first to describe ICC development and distribution in the equine fetus and neonate.
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Publication Date: 2004-07-17 PubMed ID: 15255960PubMed Central: PMC1571323DOI: 10.1111/j.0021-8782.2004.00315.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research aimed to understand how interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) – crucial for digestive function – develop and distribute in the digestive system of equine fetuses and neonates. The findings show a uniform distribution at six months of gestation, gradient distribution in the large intestine and full development in the muscular layer of the intestine after birth.

Methodology

  • The study involved sampling tissue from the intestinal tract of 12 naturally aborted equine fetuses and 3 euthanized neonates. This part of the study ensures a varied scope of fetal development stages are included in the research.
  • The cells from these tissues were then fixed in formalin. Formalin is a commonly used fixative in pathology, which helps to preserve cells and tissues for examination.
  • The researchers employed a standard immunohistochemical labeling technique targeting the c-Kit protein. This technique allows researchers to identify and visualize ICC under the microscope, as c-Kit protein is a characteristic marker of these cells.

Findings

  • Distribution of ICC was observed in the myenteric plexus region of both the small and the large intestine at 6 months of gestation, indicating that development starts relatively early in gestation.
  • ICC were also present within the circular muscle layer of the intestine, hinting at their roles in the motility of the gut.
  • In the large intestine, distribution varied from the proximal (near the stomach) to distal (nearer to the rectum) parts. Fewer ICC were seen in distal parts in younger fetuses compared to near-term animals, suggesting a gradual development pattern along the large intestine
  • A transmural (across the full thickness of the wall) gradient of distribution was present in the large intestine, with the most luminal part of the muscularis externa (outer muscle layer) being the last to see ICC colonization.
  • The muscularis externa area seemed to be fully developed with ICC only during the early neonatal period, showing a continued development process even after birth.
  • An increased density of ICC was found throughout the large intestine in the regions of the taenial bands (longitudinal muscle bands) in all animals.

Conclusion

  • This research provides the first description of the development and distribution of ICC in the equine fetus and neonate.
  • These findings could be instrumental in better understanding of digestive development and potential bowel disorders in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Fintl C, Pearson GT, Ricketts SW, Mayhew IG, Hudson NP. (2004). The development and distribution of the interstitial cells of Cajal in the intestine of the equine fetus and neonate. J Anat, 205(1), 35-44. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0021-8782.2004.00315.x

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 0021-8782
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 205
Issue: 1
Pages: 35-44

Researcher Affiliations

Fintl, C
  • Gastrointestinal Motility and Disease Laboratory, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK.
Pearson, G T
    Ricketts, S W
      Mayhew, I G
        Hudson, N P H

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Colon / cytology
          • Colon / embryology
          • Horses / anatomy & histology
          • Horses / embryology
          • Ileum / cytology
          • Ileum / embryology
          • Immunohistochemistry / methods
          • Intestine, Large / cytology
          • Intestine, Large / embryology
          • Intestine, Small / cytology
          • Intestine, Small / embryology
          • Intestines / cytology
          • Intestines / embryology
          • Muscle, Smooth / cytology
          • Muscle, Smooth / embryology
          • Myenteric Plexus / cytology
          • Myenteric Plexus / embryology
          • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / analysis

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          Citations

          This article has been cited 2 times.
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