Distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal and NOS positive neurons in the colon of rats with slow transit constipation.

Objective To investigate the distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal(ICCs) and NOS positive neurons in the colon of rats with slow transit constipation.Methods Colon samples from slow transit constipation rats were collectd for the preparation of whole-mount preparations and cryo-sections examined by histochemistry for NADPH-diaphorase,and immunocytochemistry for C-kit receptor tyrosine kinase.Results NOS positive neurons were significantly reduced and had lighter immunostainning in the colon of rats with slow transit constipation.ICCs were not well-distributed,the number of ICCs in some area increased but decreased in other area.Although no colocalization of ICCs and NOS positive neurons was found by double-stainning of whole-mount preparations and cryo-sections,they were closely distributed.Conclusion Our results show that NO released by mysenteric plexus,an inhibitory neurotransmitter,may possess the function of regulating ICCs.