Objective      To investigate  the changes of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) of sphincter of Oddi in rabbits with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).       Methods      A total of 16 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=8)

a sham operation group (S group) and a SAP group. Rabbit SAP model was established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate (1.0 mL/kg) into the pancreatic duct. Eight hours after the operation

animals were sacrificed. The pancreas and sphincter of Oddi were harvested and undergone routine pathological examination. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the c-kit-positive cells in the sphincter of Oddi. The expression levels of c-kit and nNOS were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. ICC ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy.       Results      The pancreatic tissues of the SAP group had hemorrhage

necrosis

and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration. The c-kit-positive cell density in the sphincter of Oddi in the SAP group was significantly lower than that in the S group. The average c-kit-positive cell density in the S group was 88.47±10.49 and that of the SAP group 56.11±7.09. Protein and mRNA levels of c-kit in the SAP group were 54.7% and 47.1% of those of the S group. ICC in the SAP group showed mitochondria vacuolization

irregular vacuoles and loosen desmosomes like connection.       Conclusion      The blockage of c-kit signaling pathway caused by ICC ultrastructural changes and the reduction of c-kit-positive cells is closely related to the intestinal dysmotility triggered by SAP.