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World J Gastroenterol. May 14, 2008; 14(18): 2882-2887
Published online May 14, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.2882
Control of gallbladder contractions by cholecystokinin through cholecystokinin-A receptors on gallbladder interstitial cells of cajal
Dan Xu, Bao-Ping Yu, He-Sheng Luo, Ling-Dan Chen
Dan Xu, Bao-Ping Yu, He-Sheng Luo, Ling-Dan Chen, Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
Author contributions: Xu D designed and performed the research; Luo HS contributed new reagents/analytic tools; Xu D and Chen LD analyzed the data; Xu D and Yu BP wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Bao-Ping Yu, Department of Gastro-enterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China. yubaoping62@yahoo.com.cn
Telephone: +86-27-68759391
Fax: +86-27-68758766
Received: February 27, 2008
Revised: March 21, 2008
Published online: May 14, 2008
Abstract

AIM: To identify the cholecystokinin (CCK)-A receptors (CCK-AR) on the guniea pig gallbladder interstitial cells of cajal (ICC) and to study CCK-8 induced gallbladder muscle strip contractions through the CCK-AR.

METHODS: The existence of CCK-AR was examined by immunohistofluorescence on sectioned tissue and cultured cells. In vitro contractile response of guinea pig gallbladder muscle strips and the strips with ICC removed were also studied with CCK-8 receptors added.

RESULTS: In tissue sections, intensely CCKAR-immunoreactive interstitial cells were found mainly in the muscular layers. In cultured cell sections, distinctive double staining of C-kit and CCK-AR ICCs were found. When we removed the ICC of the gallbladder, CCK-8 induced muscle strip contraction dose response curve significantly shifted to the right.

CONCLUSION: We proved that both the existence of CCK-AR on the guinea pig gallbladder ICC and CCK evoked contraction are mediated through direct action on CCK-AR on the gallbladder ICC.

Keywords: Gallbladder, Interstitial cells of cajal, Cholecystokinin-A receptor, C-kit, Immunohistofluo-rescence