Pathophysiological Implications of Interstitial Cajal-like Cells (ICC-like) in Uterus: A Comparative Study with Gastrointestinal ICCs.

The main function of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) is to regulate gastrointestinal peristalsis by acting as a "pacemaker" cell by generating spontaneous slow electrical waves. In 2005, electron microscopy revealed a cell type similar to ICCs (ICC-like) outside the gastrointestinal tract, with contractile activity and c-Kit immunohistochemistry shared with ICCs. Among the locations where ICC-like cells have been observed, it is in the uterus where they have a significant functional and pathophysiological role.