Development of interstitial cells of Cajal in fetal intestines

AIM: To study the development and distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in fetal intestines. METHODS: Twelve samples of gestation ICC from 3-4 months were collected, c-kit immunohistochemistry were used in the experiment. RESULTS: ①ICC was distributed in circular muscle layer, longitudinal muscle layer and the myenteric plexus. ②The distribution of ICC varied throughout the intestines with different gestational ages and intestines layers. The number of ICC increased with the gestational age. ③ICC appeared first along the myenteric plexus, then in muscle layer and then in deep muscular plexus. ④With the increase of gestational age, the cell body enlarged and its foot processes elongated. ICC formed network gradually. CONCLUSION: The development of ICC varies throughout the intestines with the different gestational ages and intestines layers. ICC are located primarily in the myenteric plexus of Auerbach. The number of ICC increases and ICC form network gradually with the increase of gestational age.