DEVELOPMENT OF INTERSTITIAL CELLS OF CAJAL IN THE HUMAN FETAL APPENDIX

Аннотация

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Aim. Interrelatedness and coordinated functions of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), enteric nervous system (ENS) and smooth muscle cells constitute the basis of peristaltic contractions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). ENS in the human appendix has a distinct pattern of organization, different from other parts of the GIT. ICC subtype distribution is also different in the appendix compared to other parts of the gut. The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of enteric ganglia and appearance of c-kit-IR ICC in the human fetal appendix. Material and Methods. The study material consisted of 14 human fetal appendixes at 15-32 weeks of gestational age. The differentiation of enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells was immunohistochemically examined by using anti-NSE and antidesmin antibodies, respectively. The specimens were exposed to anti-c-kit antibodies in order to investigate ICC differentiation. Results and Discussion. An important finding of this paper was the presence of numerous groups of neurons within the muscle layers of the appendix wall. In particular, in addition to myenteric plexus (MP) and submucosal plexus (SMP), there were groups of neurons within the circular and longitudinal muscle layers in human fetal appendix wall. Such a finding differed considerably from other parts of the small and large bowel. At 15 weeks of development, c-kit immunoreactive ICC were present within the circular muscle layer, but were missing around the MP ganglia and within the longitudinal muscle layer. Such a distribution pattern persisted up to 32 weeks of development, differing significantly from ICC distribution in other parts of the human fetal gut. Conclusions. A specific organization of ENS elements and ICC subtypes in the human appendix could possibly have an impact on motility and the etiology of appendicitis occurring later in life.