Changes of ultrastructure of interstitial cells of Cajal in the small intestine of diabetic rats / 第三军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To clarify the changes of ultrastructure of interstitial cells of Cajal in the small intestine of diabetic rats. Methods Rats were randomly divided into diabetic group and control group. The rate of the small intestinal transit was measured and the tissues of the small intestine were observed by transmission electron microscopy at 3 months after the establishment of rat model of diabetics. Results In the diabetic rats, the rate of small intestinal transit was delayed as compared with that in the control group. The number of the gap junction of interstitial cells of Cajal in the small intestine of diabetic rats decreased significantly, and the rest structures were damaged. Damaged organelles and formation of vacuoles were also found. Conclusion The changes of ultrastructure of interstitial cells of Cajal in the small intestine may be one of the mechanisms resulting in slow rate of the small intestinal transit in diabetic rats.