PubMed · 12842022
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
A Gregory Matera. 2003-07-01. Cajal bodies.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0960-9822(03)00438-x
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
A case of convergence-retraction nystagmus with upward vertical gaze paralysis and skew deviation (right hypotropia), without any other neurological signs, is reported. The probably vascular lesion was located at the mesodiencephalic junction, lying between the right border of the posterior commissure, the right interstitial nucleus of Cajal and the periaqueductal grey matter, accounting for the three ocular motor signs. The particular interest of this case is due to the relative smallness of the lesion.
The enteric nervous system or the 'Little Brain' of the gut controls gastrointestinal motility and secretion, and is involved in visceral sensation. In this chapter, new developments in understanding the function of the enteric nervous system are described. In particular, the interaction of this system with the interstitial cells of Cajal, the pacemaker cells of the gut, is highlighted. The importance of the interaction between the enteric nervous system and the immune system is discussed, especially in relation to functional bowel disorders and post-operative ileus. Evidence is also provided that neurones can change their function and phenotype, a phenomenon called neuronal plasticity, which contributes to the pathogenesis of visceral hypersensitivity. Finally, new developments in stem cell transplantation are described. All these new insights should lead to a better understanding of the enteric nervous system and hopefully to better ways of controlling it.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The etiology of meconium obstruction without cystic fibrosis is unclear. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) function as pacemakers in gut motility and may play a role in the pathophysiology of the disease. METHODS: The ICC were examined by immunohistochemical staining with anti-c-kit antibody in the bowel walls of 6 neonates who had meconium obstruction without cystic fibrosis, and the results were compared with specimens from normal neonates (n = 2). RESULTS: Six patients underwent ileostomy between 2 and 15 days after birth, and 5 of them presented with microcolon. Ganglion cells were present in the ileum and colon. Whereas ICC were evenly distributed in the control specimens, they were not seen at the time of ileostomy in the colons of 2 patients, and the other 4 showed scanty distribution in muscle layers. However, ileum showed normal distribution of ICC in all patients. The ileostomies were closed between 39 and 104 days of age, and the ICC distribution was changed to a normal pattern in the colons of all 6 patients. Their bowel movements were restored to normal after closure. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that delayed maturity of ICC may be a cause of meconium obstruction without cystic fibrosis.