Comparison of Cajal-like cells in pelvis and proximal ureter of kidney with and without hydronephrosis

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate effects of Cajal-like cells on human renal pelvis and proximal ureter on peristalsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 63 patients submitted to nephrectomy due to atrophic non-functional kidney associated with hydroureteronephrosis were included as study group and 30 cases with nephrectomy due to other reasons were included as control group. Samples from renal pelvis and proximal ureters were obtained and sections of 5μ form paraffin blocks of these samples were prepared; layers of lamina propria and muscularis mucosa were examined by immune-histochemistry using CD117 in order to determine count and distribution of Cajal-like cells. RESULTS: During immune-histochemical examinations of sections, obtained from renal pelvis and proximal ureter of hydronephrotic kidneys by CD117, Cajal-like cells number determined in lamina propria and muscularis propria was statistically significantly lower compared to control group (p<0.001). Distribution of Cajal-like cells in renal pelvis and proximal tubulus was similar under examination by light microscope, and also both groups were not different from each other regarding staining intensity of Cajal-like cells by c-kit. CONCLUSION: Significantly reduced number of Cajal-like cells in study group compared to control group, shows that these cells may have a key role in regulation of peristalsis at level of renal pelvis and proximal ureter in urinary system.