Korean J Phys Anthropol.  2004 Sep;17(3):207-214.

Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide Immunoreactivity in the Muscle Layer of Small Intestine; Its Action on Interstitial Cell

• Yoon SP
• Jun JY
• Lim Y
• Kim IJ
• Kim JY
• Kim JM
• Chang IY

Abstract

In addition to the central and the peripheral nervous system, calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) has been identified throughout the enteric nervous system. Several functions of the CGRP in gastrointestinal (G-I) tract has been identified, but the effect of CGRP on G-I motility is unclear. The distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) in the murine small bowel were studied by using immunohistochemistry, also analyzed functionally by using electrophysiological method. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that CGRP-LI is localized in both nerve fibers and myenteric ganglion cells in the whole-mount preparation of murine small intestine. Double labelling with CGRP and c-kit investigated by confocal microscope was shown that CGRP-LI enteric nerve fiber surrounded the c-kit positive interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Electrophysiological finding revealed that treatment of CGRP inhibited electrical activity on culture ICC. Our results suggest a CGRP innervation of murine small bowel ICC. The released CGRP from enteric nerve terminals may induce relaxation of small bowel through the inhibition of ICC.

Keyword

Calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP); Enteric muscle; Bowel motility; Mouse

MeSH Terms

Animals
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide*
Calcitonin*
Enteric Nervous System
Ganglion Cysts
Immunohistochemistry
Interstitial Cells of Cajal
Intestine, Small*
Mice
Nerve Fibers
Peripheral Nervous System
Relaxation
Calcitonin
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide