Background: Animals carrying genetic mutations have provided powerful insights into the role of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in motility. One classic model is the W/W(V) mouse which carries loss-of-function mutations in c-kit alleles, but retains minimal function of the tyrosine kinase. Previous studies have documented loss of slow waves and aberrant motility in the small intestine of W/W(V) mice where myenteric ICC (ICC-MY) are significantly depleted.
Methods: Here, we used morphological and electrophysiological techniques to further assess the loss of ICC around the circumference of the small intestine and determine consequences of losing ICC-MY on electrical activity, Ca(2+) transients and contractions of the longitudinal muscle (LM).
Key results: In wild-type mice, there was coherent propagation of Ca(2+) transients through the ICC-MY network and spread of this activity to the LM. In short segments of small intestine in vitro and in exteriorized segments, slow waves coordinated smoothly propagating Ca(2+) waves and contractions in the LM of wild-type mice. In W/W(V) mice, Ca(2+) waves were initiated at variable sites along and around intestinal segments and propagated without constraint unless they collided with other Ca(2+) waves. This activity resulted in abrupt, uncoordinated contractions.
Conclusions & inferences: These results show how dominance of pacemaking by ICC-MY coordinates propagating con-tractions and regulates the spontaneous activity of smooth muscle.