Functions of ICC‐like cells in the urinary tract and male genital organs

Abstract

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC)-like cells (ICC-LCs) have been identified in many regions of the urinary tract and male genital organs by immunohistochemical studies and electron microscopy. ICC-LCs are characterized by their spontaneous electrical and Ca2+ signalling and the cellular mechanisms of their generation have been extensively investigated. Spontaneous activity in ICC-LCs rises from the release of internally stored Ca2+ and the opening of Ca2+-activated Cl− channels to generate spontaneous transient depolarizations (STDs) in a manner not fundamentally dependent on Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Since urogenital ICC-LCs have been identified by their immunoreactivity to Kit (CD117) antibodies, the often-used specific marker for ICC in the gastrointestinal tract, their functions have been thought likely to be similar. Thus ICC-LCs in the urogenital tract might be expected to act as either electrical pacemaker cells to drive the smooth muscle wall or as intermediaries in neuromuscular transmission. However, present knowledge of the functions of ICC-LCs suggests that their functions are not so predetermined, that their functions may be very region specific, particularly under pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the location and function of ICC-LCs in various organs of the urogenital system. We also discuss several unsolved issues regarding the identification, properties and functions of ICC-LCs in various urogenital regions in health and disease.

GLI3 repressor controls functional development of the mouse ureter

“…ICC-LCs are considered to act as urinary electrical pacemaker cells, instigating smooth muscle contraction (12). ICC-LCs are defined by their characteristic spindle shape and immunoreactivity to Kit in the mature upper urinary tract of mice and humans (28,29).…”

“…Interstitial cells of Cajal-like cells (ICC-LCs), marked by Kit expression, are localized throughout the upper urinary tract and have morphologic and molecular characteristics similar to those of intestinal pacemaker cells (11)(12)(13). Inhibition of Kit activity in ureter explants using neutralizing antibodies results in perturbation of unidirectional peristalsis, but not smooth muscle cell differentiation, which suggests that Kit function is required for ureter peristalsis (11).…”

Low amplitude rhythmic contraction frequency in human detrusor strips correlates with phasic intravesical pressure waves

“…Several investigators have shown that IC exist within DSM bundles of various mammalian species [7–9]. Previous work with rabbit DSM suggests that cyclooxygenase-mediated signaling between IC and adjacent DSM bundles may play a role in the generation of LARC via prostaglandin signaling with these findings supporting the fact that increased prostaglandin levels are seen in patients with OAB-type symptoms [24].…”

“…IC in the lower urinary tract of mammals demonstrate spontaneous periodic calcium transients that may generate or modulate LARC [9,10]. Additionally, DSM cells are able to myogenically generate spontaneous activity and the frequency of this activity is increased in DSM samples taken from patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) [11].…”

Ultrastructural study of the adult albino rat parotid gland with special reference to the role of stromal telocytes

“…However, the telocytes have been observed recently in skeletal muscle [48,49], trachea [50] and lungs [50,51], cardiac tissues [47,52], urogenital tract [53], and exocrine pancreas [54]. To date, there is only one study on the parotid telocytes [11].…”