Ultrastructure of interstitial cells in subserosa of human colon

We studied the ultrastructure of interstitial cells in the subserosal/adventitial layer in human colon. An interstitial cell type with an ultrastructure intermediate between fibroblast-like cells (FLC) and interstitial cells of Cajal was identified (IC-SS). IC-SS had thin and flattened branching processes, most densely arranged close to the longitudinal muscle cells. Caveolae, bundles of intermediate filaments and membrane-associated dense bands, often with a patchy basal lamina, were characteristic. Secretory organelles (granular endoplasmic reticulum, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, coated vesicles) were prominent. The IC-SS ultrastructure was different from that of FLC in the longitudinal layer, which had no caveolae and fewer intermediate filaments. Peg-and-socket junctions between IC-SS and between IC-SS and muscle cells were present, and IC-SS processes had close, selective appositions to muscle cells. Gap junctions were not observed. Small nerve bundles were abundant, but close contacts (