Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Interstitial cells of Cajal in horses with intestinal block colic
By FINTL, C. et al.·Published in Equine Veterinary Journal·2004·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in equine colic: an immunohistochemical study of horses with obstructive disorders of the small and large intestines
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A group of horses with colic (abdominal pain) underwent surgery, and researchers studied their intestinal tissue to see if there were fewer interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which help control gut movement. They found that horses with large colon issues had significantly fewer ICC compared to healthy horses, which might explain some of their ongoing colic symptoms. However, horses with small intestine blockages did not show a difference in ICC density. This research suggests that a reduction in these cells could be linked to the gut problems and repeated colic episodes in affected horses.
People also search for: horse colic treatment · equine gastrointestinal issues · why does my horse keep colicking
Abstract
Summary Reasons for performing study : The gastrointestinal pacemaker cells, the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), have been implicated in several human gastrointestinal dysmotility syndromes. Recently, the involvement of these cells in equine gastrointestinal diseases has been investigated in cases of equine grass sickness where a significant reduction in ICC density was observed. Objective : To investigate ICC density in equine obstructive gastrointestinal disorders using immunohistochemical labelling methods. Methods : Intestinal samples were analysed from 44 horses undergoing exploratory surgery for colic and from 11 control animals subjected to euthanasia for conditions not related to the gastrointestinal tract. Immunohistochemical labelling of ICC was carried out using an anti‐c‐Kit antibody. Two independent observers assessed ICC density using a semiquantitative grading system. Results : There was a significant reduction in ICC density in horses with large colon disorders compared to the controls (P<0.01). Horses with strangulating lesions of the small intestine showed no difference when compared to the controls. Conclusions : There was a reduction in ICC density in horses with large intestinal disorders. Potential relevance : The reduction in ICC density may be associated with the clinical findings as well as recurrent colic episodes observed in a number of these cases. This immunohistochemical study provides a basis for future functional electrophysiological investigations to determine the precise effect of ICC reduction on equine intestinal motility.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.2746/0425164044877314