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The Density of Interstitial Cells of Cajal Is Diminished in Choledochal Cysts.

Authors :: Karakuş OZ
Ulusoy O
Aktürk G
Ateş O
Olgun EG
Dalgıç M
Hakgüder G
Özer E
Olguner M
Akgür FM
Source :: Digestive diseases and sciences [Dig Dis Sci] 2016 Mar; Vol. 61 (3), pp. 900-4. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Nov 07.
Publication Year :: 2016
Abstract: Background and Aims: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) have been shown to be present in the extrahepatic biliary tract of animals and humans. However, ICC distribution in choledochal cysts (CC) has not been investigated. A study was conducted to investigate the distribution of ICC in the extrahepatic biliary tract, including CC, in pediatric human specimens.<br />Method: The specimens were divided into two main groups as gallbladders and common bile ducts. Gallbladders were obtained from the cholelithiasis, CC operations and autopsies. Common bile ducts were obtained from autopsies. Tissues were stained using c-kit immunohistochemical staining. ICC were assessed semi-quantitatively by applying morphological criteria and were counted as the number of cells/0.24 mm(2) in each area under light microscopy.<br />Results: A total of 35 gallbladders and 14 CC were obtained from operations. Ten gallbladders plus common bile ducts were obtained from autopsies. The mean numbers of ICC in the gallbladders of cholelithiasis and the gallbladders of CC were 12.2 ± 4.9 and 5.3 ± 1.2, respectively (p = 0.003). The mean numbers of ICC in the common bile ducts and CC were 9.8 ± 2.9 and 3.4 ± 1.4, respectively (p = 0.001).<br />Conclusion: The scarcity of ICC in the extrahepatic biliary tract may be responsible for the etiopathogenesis of the CC.