Alper Eken1, Seyda Erdogan2, Yurdun Kuyucu3, Gulsah Seydaoglu4, Sait Polat3, Nihat Satar1. 1. Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Adana, Turkey; 2. Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Adana, Turkey; 3. Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Adana, Turkey; 4. Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Adana, Turkey.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We examine the ultrastructural configurations of Cajal cells by electron microscopy, as well as the quantitative changes occurring in Cajal cells by light microscopy. METHODS: In total, 35 patients with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction and 7 patients without obstruction were compared immunohistochemically with c-kit (CD117) to quantify the number of cells. On electron microscopic examination, 7 patients with UPJ obstruction and 3 patients without obstruction were compared to evaluate the changes which occurred in the ultrastructural configuration of the Cajal cells. RESULTS: On light microscopic examination, it was determined that the Cajal cells, which demonstrate c-kit (CD117) immunoreactive character, were located near the circular muscle layer and parallel to the muscle cells. The number of Cajal cells in the control group was significantly increased compared to the number of cells in patients with UPJ obstruction (p < 0.001). On electron microscopic examination, the number of interstitial cells was also higher in the control group. A decrease in the number of the caveolae in these cells was seen in the group with UPJ obstruction compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: In UPJ obstruction, a decrease in the number of Cajal cells, as well as the changes in the morphologic structure of the Cajal cells, indicates that these cells have a role in the pacemaker system and are associated with ureteral peristalsis.
OBJECTIVE: We examine the ultrastructural configurations of Cajal cells by electron microscopy, as well as the quantitative changes occurring in Cajal cells by light microscopy. METHODS: In total, 35 patients with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction and 7 patients without obstruction were compared immunohistochemically with c-kit (CD117) to quantify the number of cells. On electron microscopic examination, 7 patients with UPJ obstruction and 3 patients without obstruction were compared to evaluate the changes which occurred in the ultrastructural configuration of the Cajal cells. RESULTS: On light microscopic examination, it was determined that the Cajal cells, which demonstrate c-kit (CD117) immunoreactive character, were located near the circular muscle layer and parallel to the muscle cells. The number of Cajal cells in the control group was significantly increased compared to the number of cells in patients with UPJ obstruction (p < 0.001). On electron microscopic examination, the number of interstitial cells was also higher in the control group. A decrease in the number of the caveolae in these cells was seen in the group with UPJ obstruction compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: In UPJ obstruction, a decrease in the number of Cajal cells, as well as the changes in the morphologic structure of the Cajal cells, indicates that these cells have a role in the pacemaker system and are associated with ureteral peristalsis.
Authors: A Yamataka; K Ohshiro; H Kobayashi; G J Lane; T Yamataka; T Fujiwara; M Sunagawa; T Miyano Journal: J Pediatr Surg Date: 1998-06 Impact factor: 2.545