Telocytes of the male urogenital system: interrelationships, possible functions and pathological implications

Telocytes (TCs) are interstitial cells that distinguish themselves through their particular architecture, consisting of a relatively small cell body that emits remarkably long and narrow prolongations called telopodes (Tps). Previously known as interstitial Cajal-like cells, TCs manage to develop complex networks in almost all organs of the human body. Although staining positively for vimentin antibody, some uncertainty still persists over the mesenchymal origin of these cells. The election method for the precise detection of biological structures is focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, which ensures an accurate visualization of cellular architecture by providing sharper images of three-dimensional bodies, reaching nanoscale resolution. This approach has thus become the gold-standard for the identification of TCs. With the aid of currently available technology, TCs have been demonstrated to cover a wide range of functions that stretches from their role in electrical conduction and contractility adjustment to the coordination of tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. Because of their ability to form homo- and/or heterojunctions, TCs successfully provide resistant mechanical support. They exert their roles by ensuring intercellular signaling, either through direct cell–cell interaction or through juxtacrine and/or paracrine interactions aided by shedding bodies and exosomes delivered by Tps. The complex networks regulated by TCs have recently been proposed to form barriers between parenchymal compartments. This theory is supported by the abundant collagen fibrils that surround the Tps, thus strengthening their pivotal role in the establishment of tissue architecture. The numerous demonstrated and potential roles of TCs without a doubt require further investigation, especially because of their promising functions in regenerative medicine.

Roles and distribution of telocytes in tissue organization in health and disease

The motility of the gallbladder (GB) involves the storage, concentration and delivery of bile. GB motor functions are controlled by multiple complex factors, such as extrinsic and intrinsic innervation, humoral factors and neuropeptides. GB emptying results from coordinated contractions of the muscular layers of the GB wall. Depolarization of GB smooth muscle (GBSM) depends on the activation of the regular depolarization-repolarization potential, referred to as slow waves (SWs). These rhythmic SWs of GBSM contraction are mediated by several cell types, including smooth muscle cells (SMCs), GB neurons, telocytes (TC) and specialized pacemaker cells called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). The present article introduced a new GB motor unit, the SMC-TC-ICC-neuron (STIN) syncytium. In GB, STIN cells provide pacemaker activity, propagation pathways for SWs, transduction of inputs from motor and sensory neurons and mechanosensitivity. The present review provided an overview of STIN cells, mechanisms generating GBSM contractile behavior and GB motility, and discussed alterations of STIN cell function under different disease conditions.

/pdf/smooth-muscle-cells-interstitial-cells-and-neurons-in-the-2rinl6lh.pdf

Smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells and neurons in the gallbladder (GB): Functional syncytium of electrical rhythmicity and GB motility (Review)

Cholesterol cholelithiasis is a common disease and gallbladder hypomotility may underlie its pathogenesis. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in the gallbladder serve vital roles in regulating gallbladder motility. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in gallbladder ICCs during the development of cholesterol cholelithiasis. A total of 40 male guinea pigs were randomly assigned to four groups and fed a standard diet (SD) or lithogenic diet (LD) for 2 or 8 weeks. The LD significantly increased the total cholesterol levels in the serum and bile, as well as the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol after 2 and 8 weeks. The LD also significantly increased and decreased the number of gallbladder ICCs at 2 and 8 weeks, respectively, by regulating the stem cell factor/C-kit pathway. Moreover, the ultrastructure of gallbladder ICCs was significantly altered after 8 weeks, and the protein expression levels of connexin 43 in the gallbladder were differentially altered after 2 and 8 weeks. Finally, cholecystokinin receptor type A (CCK1R) expression in the gallbladder was assessed. In gallbladder ICCs, its expression was significantly increased and decreased after 2 and 8 weeks, respectively. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the density, ultrastructure and CCK1R expression levels of gallbladder ICCs are differentially altered at various stages of cholesterol cholelithiasis progression, indicating that gallbladder ICCs may be considered a potential therapeutic target for treatment of cholesterol cholelithiasis.

/pdf/changes-in-the-interstitial-cells-of-cajal-in-the-oz9qmare1l.pdf

Changes in the interstitial cells of Cajal in the gallbladder of guinea pigs fed a lithogenic diet

Cholesterol gallstone (CG) is a common, frequent biliary system disease in China, with a complex and multifactorial etiology. Declined gallbladder motility reportedly contributes to CG pathogenesis. Furthermore, interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLCs) are reportedly present in human and guinea pig gallbladder tissue. ICLCs potentially contribute to the regulation of gallbladder motility, and aberrant conditions involving the loss of ICLCs and/or a reduction in its pacing potential and reactivity to cholecystokinin may promote CG pathogenesis. This review discusses the association between ICLCs and CG pathogenesis and provides a basis for further studies on the functions of ICLCs and the etiologies of CG.

Cholesterol gallstones: Focusing on the role of interstitial Cajal-like cells.

A novel type of interstitial tissue cells in the biliary tree termed telocytes (TCs), formerly known as interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLCs), exhibits very particular features which unequivocally distinguish these cells from interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and other interstitial cell types. Current research substantiates the existence of TCs and ICCs in the biliary system (gallbladder, extrahepatic bile duct, cystic duct, common bile duct and sphincter of Oddi). Here, we review the distribution, morphology and ultrastructure of TCs and ICCs in the biliary tree, with emphasis on their presumptive roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes.

https://www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jcmm.13643

Telocytes and interstitial cells of Cajal in the biliary system

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Telocytes and interstitial cells of Cajal in the biliary system