Study on stem cell factor promoting interstitial cells of Cajal restoration

Objective To observe interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) loss by blocking the c-Kit receptors and determine whether exogenous stem cell factor (SCF) can promote ICC restoration following the blockade of c-Kit signaling.Methods New-born mice were injected intraperitoneally with antibody of c-Kit (ACK2 ),100 μg every two days for 5 times.Secondly,the mice with ICC loss were injected intraperitoneally with SCF for 5 days continuously,and control groups were given saline.The activities of slow waves,the distribution of ICC,and the mRNA and protein expression of c-Kit were determined in the jejunum.Results When c-Kit receptors were blocked,ICC nearly disappeared from the jejunum accompanied by the loss of electrical slow waves.After intraperitoneal injection of SCF,the amplitude of slow waves in ICC loss mice was restored to ( 0.044 ± 0.009 ) mV ( P ＜ 0.05 ),whereas the frequency recovered to ( 7.83 ±1.34)/min (P ＜ 0.01 ).Furthermore,labeling for c-Kit+ cells in the myenteric plexus was increased,and c-Kit mRNA and protein expression was up-regulated compared to that of controls.Conclusion The cell signaling via c-Kit and its ligand SCF is the critical pathway associated with the control of ICC survival and maintenance.The restoration of ICC number and jejunal electrical rhythm,resulting from blockade of the c-Kit signaling pathway,could be promoted by exogenous SCF administration. Key words: Interstitial cells of Cajal; Stem cell factor; c-Kit; Gastrointestinal motility