Intersticijalne ćelije kahala u gastrointestinalnom traktu pacova sa dijabetesom melitusom izazvanim streptozotocin-nikotinamidom

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are non-neural cells of mesenchymal origin inserted between nerve elements and smooth muscle cells in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). ICC are necessary for normal function of gastrointestinal (GI) tract and according to their morphology, function and localization, ICC are classified in several subtypes. Certain ICC subtypes serve as source of electrical slow waves which are electrophysiological foundation of peristalsis, while other ICC subtypes are mediators and modulators of enteric motor neurotransmission, mechanoreceptors and are responsible for proper function of GIT sphincters. Mechanism of diabetic gastroenteropathy (DG) is unclear. ICC disorders caused by metabolic changes in diabetes (DM) could explain symptoms of DG (gastroparesis, slow intestinal transit, constipation, fecal incontinence). The aim of research is to determine ICC distribution and morphology in GIТ of rats in control group and rats with streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced DM using immunohistochemical and morphometric methods. The results of doctoral dissertation showed that all ICC subtypes are present in the GIT of the rat, with regional distribution and density differences. In the DM group, there was a significant diffuse loss of all subtypes of ICC in GIT, while the density of nerve structures remained unchanged