The presence and role of interstitial cells of Cajal in the proximal intestine of shorthorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus scorpius)

Abstract

Rhythmic contractions of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract can occur in the absence of neuronal or hormonal stimulation owing to the generation of spontaneous electrical activity by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) that are electrically coupled to smooth muscle cells. The myogenically driven component of gastrointestinal motility patterns in fish probably also involves ICC; however, little is known of their presence, distribution and function in any fish species. In the present study, we combined immunohistochemistry and in vivo recordings of intestinal motility to investigate the involvement of ICC in the motility of the proximal intestine in adult shorthorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus scorpius). Antibodies against anoctamin 1 (Ano1, a Ca 2+ -activated Cl − channel), revealed a dense network of multipolar, repeatedly branching cells in the myenteric region of the proximal intestine, similar in many regards to the mammalian ICC-MY network. The addition of benzbromarone, a potent blocker of Ano1, altered the motility patterns seen in vivo after neural blockade with TTX. The results indicate that ICC are integral for the generation and propagation of the majority of rhythmic contractile patterns in fish, although their frequency and amplitude can be modulated via neural activity.

Exposure to seawater increases intestinal motility in euryhaline rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

“…Similar to MMC-like contractions previously described in teleosts (Brijs et al, 2014(Brijs et al, , 2017aHolmberg et al, 2007Holmberg et al, , 2006Holmberg et al, , 2003Holmberg et al, , 2004, this propagating complex closely resembles the different phases of mammalian MMCs in rats and mice (Bush et al, 2000;Deloose et al, 2012;Husebye, 1999). However, the relatively long period of quiescence and build-up of contractile activity prior to the cluster of contractions is also reminiscent of neurally mediated peristalsis (Costa and Furness, 1976;Hennig et al, 1999;.…”

“…'Preoperative' cardiac output of anaesthetised fish was measured for 15 min prior to opening the abdominal cavity. Based on observations from previous studies (Brijs et al, 2014(Brijs et al, , 2017a However, all fish maintained stable values of cardiac output throughout the course of the experiment and therefore no individuals had to be excluded. The abdominal cavity of the fish was opened via a mid-ventral incision starting 10 mm anterior of the anus and finishing 10 mm caudal of the pectoral fins (Fig.…”

“…frequency, duration, velocity and amplitude) characteristics. This method has successfully been used in teleosts to describe numerous motility patterns (Brijs et al, 2014(Brijs et al, , 2017aHolmberg et al, 2007;Rich et al, 2013;Rönnestad et al, 2000), as well as to demonstrate differences in motility with respect to feeding state (Brijs et al, 2014). Furthermore, these studies highlight the similarities and differences between in vivo motility patterns as well as their respective control mechanisms in teleosts with those that are well documented in mammals, such as ripples, migrating motor complexes (MMCs), peristaltic contractions and standing contractions (D'Antona et al, 2001;Huizinga and Lammers, 2009;Husebye, 1999).…”

Can Cephalopods Vomit? Hypothesis Based on a Review of Circumstantial Evidence and Preliminary Experimental Observations

“…Undertake in vitro studies using isolated digestive tracts to investigate the presence of sphincters between the esophagus/crop/stomach, the existence of retrograde contractile activity in the esophagus, crop, and stomach, and investigate the potential role of the gastric ganglion in switching motility in the upper digestive tract from a digestive pattern to a vomiting or regurgitation pattern. The above studies would use a combination of studies on isolated strips already used in squid and octopus digestive tract ( Wood, 1969 ; Andrews and Tansey, 1983 ), video recording and quantification of movements in the isolated digestive tract (as exemplified by Figures 2 , 3 ) but using more sophisticated analytical techniques, such as those used in fish and mammalian intestine (e.g., Kendig et al, 2016 ; Brijs et al, 2017 ), and finally recording of intra-luminal pressure, a technique widely used in vertebrates including fish (e.g., Andrews and Young, 1993 ).…”

Nutrient sensing; transcriptomic response and regulation of gut motility in an agastric vertebrate

“…Another sub-type of propulsive contraction is characterized as a series of high-amplitude contractions that propagate for a longer distance than ripples but at a low velocity. In some fish studies these are called slow propagating contractions (Brijs et al, 2014; Brijs et al, 2017; Brijs et al, 2016; Le et al, 2019a), while in studies of humans and other mammals, the accepted term is “high-amplitude propagated contractions” (Bharucha, 2012; Spiller et al, 1988). These move luminal contents from one section to the next, thanks to their high amplitude (Bharucha, 2012; Husebye, 1999; Kunze and Furness, 1999).…”