Abstract
Aim: To report a case of severe idiopathic gastroparesis in complete absence of Kit-positive gastric interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Methods: Gastric tissue from a patient with severe idiopathic gastroparesis unresponsive to medical treatment and requiring surgery was analyzed by conventional histology and immunohistochemistry. Results: Gastric pacemaker cells expressing Kit receptor had completely disappeared while the local level of stem cell factor, the essential ligand for its development and maintenance, was increased. No signs of cell death were observed in the pacemaker region. Conclusion: These results are consistent with the hypothesis that a lack of Kit expression may lead to impaired functioning of ICC. Total gastrectomy proves to be curative.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 6172-6177 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | World Journal of Gastroenterology |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 38 |
Publication status | Published - Oct 14 2006 |
Keywords
- C-kit
- Gastroparesis
- Interstitial cells of Cajal
- Stem cell factor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology