Widespread changes in neurotransmitter expression and number of enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal in lethal spotted mice: an explanation for persisting dysmotility after operation for Hirschsprung's disease?

• Gastrointestinal motor dysfunction persists in a large number of children subjected to surgical treatment for Hirschsprung's disease, indicating abnormalities in the remaining intestine. The aim of the study was to detect possible alterations in frequency and topographic distribution of enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal in an experimental model (the lethal spotted mouse displaying a short rectal aganglionosis) for Hirschsprung's disease. Specimens from the intestinal tract from homozygous (aganglionic) and heterozygous (healthy littermates) were examined using histochemistry, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. In ileum and colon, ie, regions proximal to the aganglionosis, changes in the expression of neuropeptides and neuronal nitric oxide synthase and in the number of enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal could be detected in homozygous versus heterozygous mice. The described changes are suggested to contribute to the dysmotility remaining after surgical resection of the aganglionic segment in Hirschsprung's disease.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Gastroenterologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Gastroenterology and Hepatology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Gastrointestinal System : cytology

Enteric Nervous System : cytology

Colon : innervation

Cell Count

Animal

Ileum : innervation

Immunohistochemistry

In Situ Hybridization

Mice

Mutant Strains

Smooth : cytology

Muscle

Neuropeptides : analysis

Neurotransmitters : analysis

Nitric-Oxide Synthase : analysis

Peristalsis : physiology

Rectum : innervation

Hirschsprung Disease : physiopathology

Hirschsprung Disease : surgery

Publikations- och innehållstyp

art (ämneskategori)

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