Purpose: To evaluate injury to the myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-MY) and assess the role of ICC-MY in gastrointestinal motility in rat models of abdominal sepsis and intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH).
Materials and methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups; group 1: sham group; group 2: sepsis induced by cecal puncture and ligation; group 3: IAH created by placing a catheter into the abdominal cavity; group 4: sepsis and IAH induced simultaneously. Small intestinal segments were resected 24 h after surgery. Ileum sections stained with HE were assessed pathologically. The spontaneous mechanical activity was evaluated using the organ bath technique. The alterations in ICC-MY networks by immunohistochemical staining for c-Kit and the ultrastructural changes in ICC-MY by transmission electron microscopy were evaluated.
Results: There were significant differences in the frequency and amplitude of the bowel segment contractions between groups 1, 2, 3 and 4. These changes were associated with lesions of ICC-MY networks and ultrastructure.
Conclusions: Abdominal sepsis and IAH resulted in damage to ICC-MY networks, leading to disordered intestinal rhythmicity. The combination of sepsis and IAH causes far more serious injury than either sepsis or IAH alone.
Copyright (c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.