Timmermans J P
Universiteit Antwerpen (RUCA), Laboratorium voor Cel- en Weefselleer, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerpen, Belgium.
Folia Morphol (Warsz). 2001;60(1):1-9.
This manuscript reviews the current views on morphology and function of the distinct subpopulations of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the digestive tract and their interrelationships with surrounding cells. Three different functions have been postulated so far, i.e. a pacemaker role, a mediator in enteric excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission and a mechanosensor. Attention will also be paid to the interstitial cells of Cajal and their possible involvement in pathophysiological conditions. Finally, perspectives for interstitial cells of Cajal as targets for therapeutic intervention will be discussed.
本文综述了目前关于胃肠道中不同亚群的 Cajal 间质细胞（ICC）的形态和功能及其与周围细胞相互关系的观点。目前已提出三种不同的功能，即起搏作用、肠内兴奋性和抑制性神经传递的介质以及机械传感器。还将关注 Cajal 间质细胞及其在病理生理状况中的可能作用。最后，将讨论 Cajal 间质细胞作为治疗干预靶点的前景。
