Veterinary Research Forum

Characterization and distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal in healthy stomachs of equids: a comparative study between species (horses, donkeys, and mules)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Angie Lorena Medina-Bolivar 1
Julián David Muñoz-Duque 2
José Ramón Martínez-Aranzales 1

1 Equine Medicine and Surgery Research Line, CENTAURO Research Group, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia

2 Quirón Pathobiology Research Group, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2025.2060653.4760
Abstract
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) play a crucial role in regulating gastrointestinal motility, functioning as pacemakers in the digestive system of equids. This study described and compared the ICC populations in different regions of the stomachs of equids (horses, donkeys, and mules). A total of 30 healthy stomachs from horses, donkeys, and mules were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and high-resolution microscopy to assess various regions of the stomach in these species. The results showed the presence of ICC in all three equid species, with a predominance in the submucosa across the squamous mucosa, glandular mucosa, and pyloric antrum. The density and morphology of ICC varied slightly between species, although no significant differences were found. Among the equids studied, donkeys showed the lowest ICC density, while horses exhibited the highest in the evaluated tissues. Four cellular morphologies were identified, three of which were included in the analysis, as toluidine staining revealed that one corresponded to mast cells. Further studies are needed to elucidate dynamics and possible alterations in response to gastric pathologies.

Keywords

Equids
Gastrointestinal tract
Glandular mucosa
Interstitial cells of Cajal
Squamous mucosa
Subjects
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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 17, Issue 10
October 2026
Pages 691-697

  • Receive Date 14 May 2025
  • Revise Date 19 June 2025
  • Accept Date 19 July 2025

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