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      Interstitial cells: regulators of smooth muscle function.

      1 , 1 , 1
      Physiological reviews

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          Abstract

          Smooth muscles are complex tissues containing a variety of cells in addition to muscle cells. Interstitial cells of mesenchymal origin interact with and form electrical connectivity with smooth muscle cells in many organs, and these cells provide important regulatory functions. For example, in the gastrointestinal tract, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and PDGFRα(+) cells have been described, in detail, and represent distinct classes of cells with unique ultrastructure, molecular phenotypes, and functions. Smooth muscle cells are electrically coupled to ICC and PDGFRα(+) cells, forming an integrated unit called the SIP syncytium. SIP cells express a variety of receptors and ion channels, and conductance changes in any type of SIP cell affect the excitability and responses of the syncytium. SIP cells are known to provide pacemaker activity, propagation pathways for slow waves, transduction of inputs from motor neurons, and mechanosensitivity. Loss of interstitial cells has been associated with motor disorders of the gut. Interstitial cells are also found in a variety of other smooth muscles; however, in most cases, the physiological and pathophysiological roles for these cells have not been clearly defined. This review describes structural, functional, and molecular features of interstitial cells and discusses their contributions in determining the behaviors of smooth muscle tissues.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          Physiol. Rev.
          Physiological reviews
          1522-1210
          0031-9333
          Jul 2014
          : 94
          : 3
          Affiliations
          [1 ] Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada.
          Article
          94/3/859
          10.1152/physrev.00037.2013
          24987007
          94971dfe-a154-42c2-889b-76c16974ca54
          Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.
          History

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