Investigation of signal correlation and integration in ICC pacemaking

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(1) First, for investigation of molecular basis, we established procedures to collect ICC from the murine gut by using a flow cytometry with fluorescent antibodies to c-KIT receptors. In collected ICC, PT-PCR detected expression of several important genetic products for Ca oscillations, such as Ca-activated Cl channels(Ano1) and STIM, which acts as a Ca sensor in intracellular Ca stores.(2) Next, using arrayed microelectrodes with low impedance, we successfully characterized spatial properties of the propagation of ICC pacemaker potentials in a small area of 1mm2. Also, we observed that serotonin(5-HT) potentiated both electric and Ca activities in ICC.(3) Furthermore, in experiments of individual animals, oral administrations of 5-HT-related drugs altered behavioral patterns of mice lacking 5-HT transporters for a long time(more than a week), compared to wild-type mice.