Original researchEvaluation of the relation between interstitial cells of cajal (CD117) and serotonin receptor (5HT-3A) with postfundoplication dysphagia

- Dysphagia is the most frequent and important early postoperative complication after the Nissen fundoplication.
- The probable causes of postoperative dysphagia remains uncertain.
- Significant changes after fundoplication was found in ICCs at the experimental study.
- No significant differences were observed at serotonin receptor levels.

Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of Nissen fundoplication to the pacemaker cells of an intestinal system and the serotonin receptors on an ICC membrane. Methods: Sixteen adult male rats were taken into study. Rats were divided in to the following two groups. Nissen fundoplication was performed to study group (Group 1) and no surgical procedures were applied to control group (group 2). The rats who were subjected to surgery and the rats without surgery were sacrificed on to postoperative 14 days. Specimens for the pathologic analysis were obtained from upper esophagus (group A) and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) (group B). Distribution of ICC and 5HT-3A were evaluated separately. Results: There was a significant difference (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, respectively) regarding number of cells stained with CD117 between the group 1B-2B and group 2A-2B. Also there was a significant difference between (p = 0.01, p = 0.01 respectively) number of cells stained with 5HT-3A in groups 1A-1B and 2A-2B. However, no correlation was detected between group 1B-2B for 5HT-3A. Conclusion: A reduction in the number of ICC was observed in esophagogastric junctions of the fundoplication group but 5HT-3A distribution did not show a significant difference. A decrease in the number of ICC may be effective at postfundoplication dysphagia.