Investigation on distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal in the myenteric plexus and slow wave activity in the Balb/c murine small intestine

Objective To determine the activities of slow wave and to investigate the distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal in the myenteric plexus in the Balb/c murine small intestine.Methods The frequency and amplitude of intestinal slow waves were examined in vivo. The distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal in the myenteric plexus was studied by using c-kit as a marker. Sections and whole mounts of intestinal muscular strips were observed by confocal microscopy. Results Slow waves were (0.4±0.07)mV in amplitude, and occurred at a frequency of (7.8±2) cycles/min in the Balb/c murine small intestine. Interstitial cells of Cajal in the myenteric plexus distributed between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers and formed a network. Conclusion The characteristics of distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal in the myenteric plexus contributed to the generation and propagation of slow waves in the Balb/c murine small intestine.