Heme oxygenase, carbon monoxide, and interstitial cells of Cajal

Interstitial cells of Cajal play a central role in the control of gastroint estinal motility. The mechanisms of communication between interstitial cell s of Cajal and smooth muscle cells are to a large extent unknown. This arti cle reviews the potential role of carbon monoxide as a messenger molecule b etween interstitial cells of Cajal and gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells . The machinery required for the formation of carbon monoxide is present in interstitial cells of Cajal and gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells expre ss a target site of action for carbon monoxide, a potassium channel. Carbon monoxide may, therefore, be produced in interstitial cells of Cajal and fu nction as a messenger molecule between interstitial cells of Cajal and gast rointestinal smooth muscle cells. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.