Interstitial cell network volume is reduced in the terminal bowel of ageing mice

Abstract

Ageing is associated with impaired neuromuscular function of the terminal gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can result in chronic constipation, faecal impaction and incontinence. Interstitial cells of cajal (ICC) play an important role in regulation of intestinal smooth muscle contraction. However, changes in ICC volume with age in the terminal GI tract (the anal canal including the anal sphincter region and rectum) have not been studied. Here, the distribution, morphology and network volume of ICC in the terminal GI tract of 3‐ to 4‐month‐old and 26‐ to 28‐month‐old C57BL/6 mice were investigated. ICC were identified by immunofluorescence labelling of wholemount preparations with an antibody against c‐Kit. ICC network volume was measured by software‐based 3D volume rendering of confocal Z stacks. A significant reduction in ICC network volume per unit volume of muscle was measured in aged animals. No age‐associated change in ICC morphology was detected. The thickness of the circular muscle layer of the anal sphincter region and rectum increased with age, while that in the distal colon decreased. These results suggest that ageing is associated with a reduction in the network volume of ICC in the terminal GI tract, which may influence the normal function of these regions.

Understanding the Biology of Human Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Gastrointestinal Motility

“…Interestingly, loss of ICC was first observed in the stomach, followed by the intestine and colon, indicating that gastric ICC functionality may be the first affected during ageing. Additionally, similar changes in ICC network volumes have been found in the terminal bowel of ageing mice [ 82 ]. Whilst thorough molecular information regarding ICC and ageing is yet to be elucidated, these data indicate that a change in ICC functionality may, in part, affect GI motility with age.…”

Lactobacillus plantarumKFY02 enhances the relieving effect of gardenoside on montmorillonite induced constipation in mice

“…Another study showed that Cajal bodies (ICC), which have an abnormal number of mesenchymal cells, can cause changes in the cell morphology and network structure, which can slow down colonic peristalsis and induce constipation, which may be the basic pathogenesis of slow transit constipation. 48,49 c-Kit is one of the specic markers of ICC, and is a factor in maintaining ICC proliferation and growth under normal conditions, 50 SCF is a natural ligand of the c-Kit receptor. 51 Studies have found that the concentration of SCF is very important to the cultivation of the ICC.…”

Research progress of naturally fermented yogurt with lactic acid bacteria in Xinjiang: a review of anti-constipation probiotics

“…The abnormal number of mesenchymal cells and changes in cell morphology and network structure can slow down colonic peristalsis and induce constipation. c-Kit is a specific marker of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) (Kim et al, 2019) and a factor in maintaining ICC proliferation and growth under normal conditions (Gamage et al, 2018;Jiang et al, 2015). C-kit protein is expressed in many cells in the body, including ICC and mast cells in the intestine.…”