Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in equine colic: an immunohistochemical study of horses with obstructive disorders of the small and large intestines.
Authors: Fintl C, Hudson N P H, Mayhew I G, Edwards G B, Proudman C J, Pearson G T
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) function as the gastrointestinal pacemaker, orchestrating coordinated muscular contractions essential for normal intestinal transit; their dysfunction has long been recognised in human motility disorders, yet their role in equine colic remained largely unexplored until recent investigations into grass sickness demonstrated substantially reduced ICC populations in affected horses. This immunohistochemical study examined ICC density and distribution in intestinal tissue samples from horses requiring surgical intervention for obstructive disorders of the small intestine and large colon, comparing affected tissue with histologically normal control sections to establish whether ICC abnormalities characterise surgical colic cases. The researchers found significantly diminished ICC populations in obstructed intestinal segments compared with unaffected tissue and healthy controls, with marked reductions in both myenteric and submucous plexuses—suggesting that ICC pathology may contribute to the loss of normal propulsive function that precipitates obstruction. These findings implicate ICC dysfunction as a potential underlying factor in equine colic aetiology rather than purely a consequence of obstruction, which has important implications for how we conceptualise the pathophysiology of motility-related colic cases. Understanding ICC involvement opens potential avenues for both diagnostic investigation and therapeutic intervention targeting intestinal pacemaker function, particularly for cases presenting with functional rather than mechanical obstruction.
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Practical Takeaways
- •ICC dysfunction may be an underlying pathophysiological mechanism in equine colic cases with intestinal obstruction, potentially informing future therapeutic targets
- •Understanding ICC involvement in equine gastrointestinal disease could help distinguish between primary motility disorders and mechanical obstructions
- •Recognition of ICC pathology may support development of novel treatments beyond surgical intervention for certain colic cases
Key Findings
- •ICC density was examined in horses with obstructive intestinal disorders using immunohistochemical techniques
- •Study builds on previous findings of reduced ICC density in equine grass sickness by investigating ICC involvement in obstructive colic
- •ICC abnormalities may contribute to gastrointestinal dysmotility in equine obstructive disease