Interstitial Cells of Cajal: Potential Targets for Functional Dyspepsia Treatment Using Medicinal Natural Products

Figure 1

Mechanism for the generation of slow-wave potentials in ICCs. (1) The release of Ca²⁺ into the cytoplasm from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is initiated by the activation of ryanodine (RYR) receptors and/or inositol triphosphate 3 (IP3) receptors. (2) Overabsorption of Ca²⁺ into the mitochondria occurs, resulting in a localized drop in Ca²⁺ concentration. (3) Ca²⁺-inhibited nonselective cation ion channels are activated, leading to rapid cellular influx of Ca²⁺ from the extracellular space, which produces spontaneous transient depolarizations (STDs). (4) STDs are delivered to the GI smooth muscles through gap junctions and cause smooth muscle contractions.