The role of cajal cells in the pathogenesis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction

The Role of Cajal Cells in The Pathogenesis of Ureteropelvic Junction ObstructionAim: Recently Cajal Cells, which are thought to be the pacemaker cells both in gastrointestinal and urogenital systems are overemphasized and become popular. In this study our purpose is to investigate the relation between the Cajal Cells, supposed to be responsible from the peristaltic activity, and the pathogenesis of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction which is one of the most important causes of congenital hydronephrosis.Material ? Method: : 19 cases with ureteropelvic junction obstruction were compared to nonobstructed 12 cases for Cajal cell counts with immunohistochemical analysis with c-kit (CD117).Results: Cajal cells were CD 117 positive, and seen between neurons and muscle cells, close to circular muscle cells. The cell count in the control group was statistically higher than the ureteropelvic junction obstruction group.Conclusion: The decrease in the number of the Cajal cells in the patients with Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction points out that they are responsible for the initiation of the peristaltic activity from the intercaliceal area, coordination and conduction. Further investigations about these cells will show more information about the neurophysiology of the urinary system and the diseases that cause congenital hydronephorosis.