抄録
Interstitial cells of Cajal were discovered by Ramon y Cajal and thought to be part of the enteric nervous system of the gut. It has now been proven that ICC are the pacemaker cells of the stomach, small intestine and colon, generating unique electrical activities that instruct the musculature to perform peristaltic motor functions (1-3). ICC are innervated through synapse-like structures unlike smooth muscle cells that rely on non-synaptic neurotransmission. This special relationship to the nervous system gives ICC the possibility to modify neuronal signals and/or transmit information about muscle activity to the enteric nervous system. Rhythmic motor activity of smooth muscle is not restricted to the gut and ICC are now being characterized in the portal vein and the urinary tract. On the one hand, the potential widespread presence of ICC demands a rigorous definition and characterization. On the other hand, flexibility is needed because there is plasticity in ICC morphology, characteristics change dependent on circumstances such as the presence of inflammation or obstruction. ICC are implicated in the pathophysiology of many motor disorders in the gastrointestinal tract in the pediatric as well as adult population. Determining the exact role in pathophysiology is still difficult because of the intimate association with the enteric nervous system. New exciting avenues for research are aimed at a better understanding of motility control systems throughout the body. (1) Der-Silaphet et al. Gastroenterology 114: (2) 724-736, 1998; Huizinga et al. Nature 373: 347-349, 1995; (3) Thomsen. Huizinga et al. Nature Med 4: 848-851, 1998. [J Physiol Sci. 2007;57 Suppl:S15]
