Interstitial Cajal-like cells in human gallbladder

Abstract

We describe here an interstitial Cajal-like cell type (ICLC) in human gallbladder, resembling the archetypal enteric interstitial cells of Cajal. Gallbladder ICLC were demonstrated in fresh preparations (tissue cryosections) using methylene-blue, and fixed specimens in Epon semi-thin sections stained with toluidine blue or transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The positive diagnosis of gallbladder ICLC was further verified by immunohistochemistry: CD117/c-kit, CD34, and another 16 antigens: vimentin, desmin, nestin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, NK-1, S-100, PGP-9.5, tau protein, chromogranin A, NSE, GFAP, CD1a, CD62-P, CD68, estrogen and progesterone receptors. Double immunostaining was performed for CD117, CD34 and CD117 and nestin, respectively. In fresh specimens, the spatial density of gallbladder ICLC was 100-110 cells/mm(2). ICLC mainly appeared beneath the epithelium and in muscularis (about 7%, and approximately 5%, respectively). In toto, ICLC represent in gallbladder approximately 5.5% of subepithelial cells. TEM showed that diagnostic criteria were fulfilled by ICLC. Moreover, TEM indicated that the main ultrastructural distinctive feature for ICLC, the cell processes, develop into the characteristic shape at a relatively early stage of development. It remains to be established if, in humans, ICLC are involved in gallbladder (dis)functions (e.g. pace-making, secretion (auto-, juxta- and/or paracrine), intercellular signaling, or stone formation).

Role of mitochondria in spontaneous rhythmic activity and intracellular calcium waves in the guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle

“…Cells with the morphological features of ICC have also been reported recently in the murine (43) and human (13) sparks, play a fundamental role in GBSM rhythmic activity (2,27,34). These findings correspond with observations in GI tract (49,50) and suggest that intracellular Ca 2ϩ mobilization, involving both SR and mitochondria, may be essential for the generation and propagation of rhythmic electrical activity in the gallbladder as has been observed in the GI tract (15, 38, 48 -52) and the urinary bladder (19).…”

A New Strategy of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Cholecystolithiasis: Calculi Removal and Gallbladder Preservation

“…Interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLCs) are known to play a pivotal role in controlling gastrointestinal tract motility by providing electrical impulses for slow wave generation and by regulating smooth muscle activity and neurotransmission [25]. ICLCs were observed throughout the gallbladder, although they were mostly located in the body [26]. The incision made on the fundus of the gallbladder to minimize damage to ICLCs and reduce the effect the recovery of gallbladder motility.…”

Interstitial cells of Cajal — systematic review

“…Besides, complete removal of ICC from tissue fragments depresses a lot contraction reaction of myocytes to CCK-8 [9]. Moreover, studies revealed that damage to interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLCs) in the gallbladder wall of patients with cholelithiasis could be related to an increased bile lithogenicity index or chronic inflammatory processes involving a gallbladder filled with gallstones [17]. Both mechanisms may participate in gallstone formation by reducing the number of ICLCs in the gallbladder wall.…”