The effects of ureteral obstruction on Cajal-like cells in rats

ObjectiveTo determine the changes in number and morphology of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC)-like cells (ICC-LC) at the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) of rats after experimental distal ureteral obstruction.Materials and methodsOf a total of 109 rats, 20 served as controls (C), 20 underwent sham-operations (SH) and 69 were in the study (S) groups. The UPJs were extracted initially in the C and SH groups, and 7, 14, 30, 60 and 90 days after ligation of the distal ureter in the study groups (S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5, respectively). The sections stained by c-kit anticore were studied under a light microscope.ResultsThe mean number of ICC-LC was 4.55 ± 2.21 in C, 5.15 ± 3.51 in SH, 7.40 ± 6.88 in S1, 21.16 ± 19.03 in S2, 12.63 ± 8.16 in S3, 10.40 ± 5.09 in S4, and 10.9 ± 6.33 in S5. There was a statistically significant increase in ICC-LC in the study groups, except S1, compared to the C and SH groups. No significant difference was detected in Cajal cell morphology and distribution pattern between groups.ConclusionsBased on the changes in number of ICC-LC at the UPJ after obstruction of the distal ureter compared with the limited data available in the literature, we suggest that ICC-LC have a close relationship with motility of the ureter.