Excitatory cholinergic responses in mouse colon intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal are due to enhanced Ca2+ release via M3 receptor activation.

Colonic intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-IM) are associated with cholinergic varicosities, suggesting a role in mediating excitatory neurotransmission. Ca2+ release in ICC-IM activates Ano1, a Ca2+ -activated Cl- conductance, causing tissue depolarization and increased smooth muscle excitability. We employed Ca2+ imaging of colonic ICC-IM in situ, using mice expressing GCaMP6f in ICC to evaluate ICC-IM responses to excitatory neurotransmission. Expression of muscarinic type 2, 3 (M2 , M3 ), and NK1 receptors were enriched in ICC-IM. NK1 receptor agonists had minimal effects on ICC-IM, whereas neostigmine and carbachol increased Ca2+ transients. These effects were reversed by DAU 5884 (M3 receptor antagonist) but not AF-DX 116 (M2 receptor antagonist). Electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the presence of L-NNA and MRS 2500 enhanced ICC-IM Ca2+ transients. Responses were blocked by atropine or DAU 5884, but not AF-DX 116. ICC-IM responses to EFS were ablated by inhibiting Ca2+ stores with cyclopiazonic acid and reduced by inhibiting Ca2+ influx via Orai channels. Contractions induced by EFS were reduced by an Ano1 channel antagonist, abolished by DAU 5884, and unaffected by AF-DX 116. Colonic ICC-IM receive excitatory inputs from cholinergic neurons via M3 receptor activation. Enhancing ICC-IM Ca2+ release and Ano1 activation contributes to excitatory responses of colonic muscles.