Abstract
Alterations of normal function of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are reported in many intestinal disorders. Diagnosis of their involvement is rare (infrequent), but necessary to propose a specific treatment. This article reviews the place of ICC in the pathogenesis of achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and slow transit constipation. Moreover we discuss the role of the Cajal cells in the development of stromal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.
MeSH terms
-
Biological Clocks*
-
Constipation / pathology
-
Constipation / physiopathology
-
Esophageal Achalasia / pathology
-
Esophageal Achalasia / physiopathology
-
Esophagus / pathology
-
Esophagus / physiopathology
-
Gastroenterology*
-
Gastroesophageal Reflux / pathology
-
Gastroesophageal Reflux / physiopathology
-
Gastrointestinal Diseases / pathology*
-
Gastrointestinal Diseases / physiopathology
-
Gastrointestinal Motility*
-
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / pathology
-
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / physiopathology
-
Gastrointestinal Tract / pathology*
-
Gastrointestinal Tract / physiopathology
-
Gastroparesis / pathology
-
Gastroparesis / physiopathology
-
Humans
-
Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / pathology
-
Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / physiopathology
-
Intestines / pathology
-
Intestines / physiopathology
-
Pyloric Stenosis, Hypertrophic / pathology
-
Pyloric Stenosis, Hypertrophic / physiopathology
-
Stomach / pathology
-
Stomach / physiopathology