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)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Angie Lorena Medina Bolivar 1
Julian David Muñoz Duque 1
Jose Ramon Martinez Aranzales 2

1 UNIVERSIDAD DE ANTIOQUIA

2 Equine Medicine and Surgery Research Line (LIMCE), CENTAURO Research Group, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia

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
Veterinary Research Forum

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 August 2026

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

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