Neuronal defects an etiological factor in congenital pelviureteric junction obstruction?

There exists marked variability in expression of neuronal markers synaptophysin, PGP9.5, and S-100, and CD-117 in PUJO specimens compared with controls. Our results show no clinical significance of the expression of neuronal markers in predicting degree of pre-operative renal pelvis dilation or differential renal function. The heterogeneity of expression of neuronal markers in PUJO specimens and controls in our population is at variance with prior studies. The etiology of PUJO is likely to be complex and multifactorial.Neuronal markerFunctionSynaptophysin-Most abundant integral membrane protein constituent of synaptic vesicles-Ubiquity in synapses allows for quantification of synapses-Function unknownPGP9.5-Deubiquitinating enzyme in neurons and nerve fibers-Neuron-specific cytoplasmic markerCD-117-Transmembrane tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor-Expressed in interstitial cells of Cajal, which generate and propagate electrical slow waves causing phasic contractions in gastrointestinal tract-Interstitial cells of Cajal present in renal pelvis and ureterS-100-Function unknown-Specific marker for localizing cells of neural origin especially Schwann cells