ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the morphological changes of enteric deep muscular plexuses interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-DMP) in rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Methods: Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and MODS model group. The enteric ICC-DMP network was observed using c-kit immunohistochemical staining with whole-mount preparation technique and confocal laser scanning microscopy , and the ultraslructural features of ICC-DMP was evaluated using transmission electron microscope. Results: Compared with those in control group, the distributions and densities of intestine ICC-DMP in MODS group were significantly decreased (P < 0. 05) , the ICC-DMP network was disrupted and the ultrastructural features of ICC-DMP were severely damaged. Conclusion: The ICC-DMP network was severely damaged in rats with MODS, and the mechanism of gastrointestinal dysmotility in MODS may be related to the morphological changes of ICC-DMP.