Interstitial cells of Cajal in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

Many investigations have established the role of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in normal functions of the gastrointestinal tract. ICC formed network structure with each other, with enteric motor nerve terminals and surrounding smooth muscle cells. ICC network is the structural foundation in providing pacemaker activity, propagation pathways for slow waves, transduction of inputs from motor neuron, and mechanosensitivity. Loss of interstitial cells has been associated with motor disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This study aims to observe the changes of ICC in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), speculate the role of ICC in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal dysmotility in SAP, and provide new insights into pathological mechanisms of gastrointestinal motility disturbances in SAP, suggesting that the repairing of reduced ICC and damaged ICC network maybe a potential therapeutic method.