Study of density of interstitial cells of cajal in the terminal intestine of rats with anorectal malformation.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal constipation is one of the most commonly occurring complaints in the postoperative period after correction of anorectal malformation (ARM). An abnormal density of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) is one potential cause. The objective of this study was to analyze the density of ICC in the terminal intestine of fetuses of rats with anorectal anomaly induced by ethylenethiourea (ETU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The fetuses were distributed into three groups: Group A--normal fetuses obtained from pregnant female rats that did not receive ETU; Group B--fetuses with no ARM, obtained from pregnant rats that received ETU, and Group C--fetuses with ARM, obtained from pregnant rats that received ETU. ETU was administered on the 11th day of pregnancy at a dose of 125 mg/kg. The fetuses were extracted by means of laparotomy on the 21st day of pregnancy. The terminal intestine of the fetuses was removed and analyzed by immunohistochemistry to evaluate ICC. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between groups A, B and C regarding the density of ICC. Group A presented with the highest density, followed by groups B and C. CONCLUSION: There is a lower density of ICC in the terminal intestine of rats with ARM.