Spontaneous electrical activity of interstitial cells of Cajal isolated from canine proximal colon.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.86.18.7280
• Publication Date: 2006-05-31T11:03:49Z
• Authors: P Langton; S M Ward; A Carl; M A Norell; K M Sanders
• Keywords: Pacemaker potential; Interstitial cell

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) have been suggested as pacemaker in the gastrointestinal tract. A method was developed to isolate ICC from slow-wave region canine proximal colon. These were identified under phase-contrast microscopy, and their identity verified by comparing ultrastructure with morphology situ. Patch-clamp experiments demonstrated that these are excitable; voltage-dependent inward outward currents elicited depolarization. Inward current transients calcium currents. portion appears be due Ca2+-activated K channels commonly expressed cells. also spontaneously active, generating electrical depolarizations similar waveform events intact colonic muscles. findings consistent hypothesis initiate rhythmicity