Disruption of interstitial cells of Cajal networks after massive small bowel resection

Figure 1 c-kit immunopositivity at the level of the myenteric plexus in ileal whole-mount preparations. A: In the sham-operated group, c-kit-positive cells were predominantly present at the myenteric plexus level; B: Compared with sham-operated tissues, the number and density of c-kit immunopositive cells were significantly decreased in the short bowel syndrome (SBS) 1W group; C: In the SBS2W group, the number of interstitial cells of Cajal had returned to normal levels. The arrows showed c-kit immunoexpression is positive (original magnification × 400). LM: Longitudinal muscle; CM: Circular muscle.