1
|
Xu T, Zhang H, Zhu Z. Telocytes and endometriosis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:39-49. [PMID: 35668319 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06634-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis involving the presence and growth of glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity is a common, inflammatory, benign gynecologic disease. Nevertheless, no single theory can exactly account for the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Telocytes, a kind of novel mesenchymal cells, have been suggested to be crucial in promoting angiogenesis and increasing the activity of endometrial interstitial cells and inflammatory cells. Given above roles, telocytes may be considered as the possible pathogenesis of endometriosis. We reviewed the current literature on telocytes. The following aspects were considered: (A) the telocytes' typical characteristics, function, and morphological changes in endometriosis; (B) the potential role of telocytes in endometriosis by impacting the inflammation, invasion, and angiogenesis; (C) telocytes as the potential treatment options for endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.128, Shenyang Road, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Hongqi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhiling Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.128, Shenyang Road, Shanghai, 200090, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aleksandrovych V, Bereza T, Ulatowska-Białas M, Pasternak A, Walocha JA, Pityński K, Gil K. Identification of PDGFRα+ cells in uterine fibroids - link between angiogenesis and uterine telocytes. Arch Med Sci 2022; 18:1329-1337. [PMID: 36160340 PMCID: PMC9479735 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.86795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telocytes (TCs), also called interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC), CD34+ cells or PDGFRα+ cells (platelet-derived growth factor receptor α positive cells), a new type of cell of mesenchymal origin, were described over one decade ago. The unique nature of these cells still deserves attention from the scientific community. Telocytes make homo- and heterocellular contact with myocytes, immunocytes and nerves, have their own immunohistochemical and secretome profiles and thus might regulate local regenerative processes including angiogenesis and fibrosis. The aim of our study was to observe the missing link between angiogenesis and telocytes in leiomyoma, the most common benign tumors affecting women of reproductive age. MATERIAL AND METHODS We observed uterine tissue samples from leiomyoma, adjacent myometrium and unchanged tissue from patients with leiomyoma and control subjects using routine histology, histochemistry, immunofluorescence (CD117, CD31, CD34, PDGFRα, tryptase, sFlt-1) and image analysis methods. RESULTS The decline of the telocyte density in the foci of fibroids correlated with poor vascularization inside the leiomyoma. Moreover, the expression of sFlt-1 (anti-angiogenic-related factor) significantly increased inside a fibroid. In leiomyoma the decrease of telocyte and blood micro-vessel density was accompanied by prevalence of collagen deposits, unlike the unchanged myometrium. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate TCs in human uterine fibroids and highlight their possible involvement in the pathogenesis of myometrial pathology in the context of angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomasz Bereza
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Artur Pasternak
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy A. Walocha
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kazimierz Pityński
- Department of Gynecology and Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gil
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen X, Zeng J, Huang Y, Gong M, Ye Y, Zhao H, Chen Z, Zhang H. Telocytes and their structural relationships with surrounding cell types in the skin of silky fowl by immunohistochemistrical, transmission electron microscopical and morphometric analysis. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101367. [PMID: 34325111 PMCID: PMC8334741 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cells, were identified in various animals. Since TCs have not observed in avian skin, hence, we carried out immunohistochemistrical and transmission electron microscopical studies in the skin of the silky fowl to investigate the TCs. TCs appear as CD34, c-Kit, and PDGFRα immunopositive. The elongated TCs with 2 long and thin telopodes (Tps) are located in the dermis. Generally, a TC possesses a fusiform, ovoid and polygonal cell body with 2 Tps (lengths = 5.27-21.85 μm), which are uneven in thickness including thick sections - podoms (diameters = 0.40-0.47 μm) and thin sections - podomers (diameters = 0.03-0.04 μm). TCs/Tps are observed frequently in close proximity to neighboring cell types/structures, such as adipocytes, collagen fibers, and capillaries. Under a magnified field, homocellular TCs/Tps contacts are observed through gap junctions (distances = 0.01-0.05 μm), whereas some of TCs/Tps have heterocellular close contacts by point contacts with surrounding cells, including stem cells and melanocytes. The multivisicular bodies, especially exosomes (diameters = 0.09-0.23 μm) releasing from TCs/Tps are observed in close proximity to TCs/Tps. Our results illustrated that the novel type of interstitial cells - TCs are present in the dermis of the silky fowl, and they have special structural relationships with surrounding cell types. The study provides histological evidence for TCs involvement in intercellular communication, skin regeneration, and pigmentogenesis in avian skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianshu Chen
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yujie Huang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Meiling Gong
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Yaqiong Ye
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Haiquan Zhao
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Zhisheng Chen
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Identification of Telocytes in the Pancreas of Turtles-A role in Cellular Communication. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062057. [PMID: 32192184 PMCID: PMC7139993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of telocytes (TCs) has not yet been established in the pancreases of aquatic reptiles. Here, we report TCs in the exocrine pancreas of Pelodiscus sinensis using transmission electron microscope (TEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques. TCs surrounded the acini and ducts of the connective tissue of the exocrine pancreas and between lobules and gland cells. The cells were located preferably close to the blood vessels, interlobular ducts, and nerve fibers. Ultrastructurally, TCs exhibited small and large bodies with thick and thin portions, podoms, and podomers, and prolongations that form dichotomous branching with hetero-cellular and homo-cellular junctions. The podom (thick) portions showed caveolae, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and vesicles. The nucleus carries heterochromatin and is irregular in shape. The shape of TCs depends on the number of telopodes (Tps) bearing long, short, spindle, triangular, and "beads on a string" shapes with twisted, tortuous prolongations and ramifications. Shed extracellular vesicles and exosomes were found frequently released from projections and Tps within connective tissue in the vicinity of the acini and collagen fibers. IHC and IF results showed CD34+, α-SMA+, and vimentin+, long and triangle-shaped TCs, consistent with the TEM findings. The presence of shaded vesicles from TCs might implicate their possible role in immune surveillance, tissue regeneration as well as regulatory functions in the reptilian pancreas.
Collapse
|
5
|
Mitrofanova L, Hazratov A, Galkovsky B, Gorshkov A, Bobkov D, Gulyaev D, Shlyakhto E. Morphological and immunophenotypic characterization of perivascular interstitial cells in human glioma: Telocytes, pericytes, and mixed immunophenotypes. Oncotarget 2020; 11:322-346. [PMID: 32064038 PMCID: PMC6996916 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (Tcs) and pericytes (Pcs) are two types of perivascular interstitial cell known to be widespread in various organs and tissues, including the brain. We postulated that Tcs and Pcs may be involved in glioblastoma (GBM) neovascularization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lubov Mitrofanova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Pathomorphology Research Laboratory, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anton Hazratov
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Pathomorphology Research Laboratory, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Boris Galkovsky
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Pathomorphology Research Laboratory, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrey Gorshkov
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Pathomorphology Research Laboratory, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Laboratory of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Danila Bobkov
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Laboratory of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, Laboratory of Cell Biology in Culture, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitry Gulyaev
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Research Department of Neurosurgery, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgeny Shlyakhto
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, General Director, St. Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aleksandrovych V, Kurnik-Łucka M, Bereza T, Białas M, Pasternak A, Cretoiu D, Walocha JA, Gil K. The Autonomic Innervation and Uterine Telocyte Interplay in Leiomyoma Formation. Cell Transplant 2019; 28:619-629. [PMID: 30841718 PMCID: PMC7103609 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719833303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic innervation of the uterus is involved in multiple pathophysiological processes in both humans and animals. Pathological conditions such as adenomyosis or inflammatory pelvic disease are usually accompanied by significant alterations in uterine innervation. In the current study, we focused on autonomic innervation of uterine fibroids, the identification of recently described interstitial cells, telocytes, and the possible interplay between these structures. In this work, uterine telocytes were identified by immunopositivity for c-kit, CD34, and PDGFRα. Nerves were revealed by immunolabeling for neuronal markers: protein gene product PGP 9.5, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The gross organization of myometrial tissue has been analyzed by routine histology. The results demonstrated that the density of iNOS and ChAT-immunopositive neurons in the uterine fibroids was higher than that in the control samples. The density of telocytes in the fibrosis foci was lower than that in the normal myometrium. Our results suggest that autonomic innervation and telocytes are involved in the microenvironment imbalance characteristic of uterine leiomyoma. Since NOS-positive nerves play an important role in oxidative stress modulation, they might lead to a decrease in the number of telocytes, which are crucial components in the pathogenesis of leiomyoma formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena Kurnik-Łucka
- 1 Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Tomasz Bereza
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Białas
- 3 Department of Pathomorphology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Artur Pasternak
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- 4 Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,5 Materno-Fetal Assistance Excellence Unit, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute of Mother and Child Health, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Jerzy A Walocha
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gil
- 1 Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tang XL, Zhang FL, Jiang XJ, Yang XJ. Telocytes enhanced the proliferation, adhesion and motility of endometrial stromal cells as mediated by the ERK pathway in vitro. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:572-585. [PMID: 30899363 PMCID: PMC6413249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) is special interstitial cell that have recently been identified in the female reproductive system. Endometriosis (EMs) is a benign gynecological disease whose etiology is still not fully clear. Implantation and proliferation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) out of the uterus are essential processes in the development of EMs. Herein, we investigate the in vitro changes of ESCs when cocultured with TCs, and the potential mechanisms involved. The current results demonstrated that, vimentin-positive/pan cytokeratin-negative ESCs, and TCs with a characteristic structure and immunophenotype (CD34/vimentin double-positive) were successfully isolated and harvested. Morphologically, direct cell-to-cell contacts were observed between TCs and ESCs. Quantitatively, TCs treatment clearly promotes the viability of ESCs, enhances cell cycle progression at G2/M phase and upregulates p-ERK1/2 and cyclin-D3 (all P < 0.05). Functionally, ESCs educated by TCs displayed significantly enhanced adhesion ability and accelerated invasion and migration capacity (all P < 0.05). However, no significant changes were found in the rate of apoptosis and in the expression of AKT signaling pathway proteins in TCs-educated ESCs (both P > 0.05). Therefore, TCs treatment obviously enhanced the in vitro motile and invasive capacity of ESCs, which were mediated by the ERK-cyclin-D3 signaling pathway, likely through direct intercellular contacts and/or juxta-paracrine effects; signaling through this axis therefore increased the likelihood of EMs. The enhanced functions of TCs-educated ESCs not only contribute to a deeper understanding of TCs, but also highlight a new concept regarding the physiopathology and therapy of EMs and associated impaired reproductive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ling Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Fei-Lei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xiao-Juan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Recently discovered interstitial cells termed telocytes: distinguishing cell-biological and histological facts from fictions. Biologia (Bratisl) 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-018-0162-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
9
|
Tay H, Vandecasteele T, Van den Broeck W. Identification of telocytes in the porcine heart. Anat Histol Embryol 2017; 46:519-527. [PMID: 28884484 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a new interstitial cell type called telocyte has been identified. Telocytes are found in many organs including the heart, where they are especially well described. However, their presence in the porcine heart has not yet been proven. The pig is a valuable animal model in research because of its resemblance with man, making it interesting to determine whether telocytes can be found in pigs as well. The focus of this study is the identification and ultrastructural description of telocytes in the heart tissue of pig. Using transmission electron microscopy, telocytes were found in both left and right atrium and ventricle, usually close to cardiomyocytes and/or blood vessels. Their most important characteristic is the long cytoplasmic processes called telopodes, which have a moniliform aspect, measure tens of μm and usually have a thickness below 0.2 μm. This unique morphological feature enables telocytes to be recognized from other interstitial cells such as fibroblasts. Additional observations include the ability to release extracellular vesicles and to make contacts with other structures such as endothelial cells, suggesting a role in intercellular communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Tay
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Morphology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - T Vandecasteele
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Morphology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - W Van den Broeck
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Morphology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang H, Yu P, Zhong S, Ge T, Peng S, Guo X, Zhou Z. Telocytes in pancreas of the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus). J Cell Mol Med 2016; 20:2215-2219. [PMID: 27650046 PMCID: PMC5082396 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), novel interstitial cells, have been identified in various organs of many mammals. However, information about TCs of lower animals remains rare. Herein, pancreatic TCs of the Chinese giant salamanders (Andrias davidianus) were identified by CD34 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The IHC micrographs revealed CD34+TCs with long telopodes (Tps) that were located in the interstitium of the pancreas. CD34+TCs/Tps were frequently observed between exocrine acinar cells and were close to blood vessels. The TEM micrographs also showed the existence of TCs in the interstitium of the pancreas. TCs had distinctive ultrastructural features, such as one to three very long and thin Tps with podoms and podomers, caveolae, dichotomous branching, neighbouring exosomes and vesicles. The Tps and exosomes were found in close proximity to exocrine acinar cells and α cells. It is suggested that TCs may play a role in the regeneration of acinar cells and α cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrated the presence of TCs in the pancreas of the Chinese giant salamander. This finding will assist us in a better understanding of TCs functions in the amphibian pancreas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Pengcheng Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shengwei Zhong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tingting Ge
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shasha Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoquan Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.
| | - Zuohong Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Telocytes in gastric lamina propria of the Chinese giant salamander, Andrias davidianus. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33554. [PMID: 27629815 PMCID: PMC5024317 DOI: 10.1038/srep33554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we attempt to identify gastric telocytes (TCs) of the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus, by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. Toluidine blue staining showed TCs with one to two very thin and long telopodes (Tps) that were located in gastric lamina propria. Tps had characteristic structures, including podoms, podomers and dichotomous branching. Immunohistochemistry showed the existence of CD34+/PDGFRα+ TCs with moniliform Tps in stroma and were close to gastric glands and blood vessels. TEM micrographs also demonstrated the presence of TCs in interstitium between gastric glands. TCs/Tps were located in close proximity to gastric glands, blood vessels, endocrine cells and stem cells. In particular, Tps frequently surrounded stem cells. TCs and Tps, Tps and stem cells established close contacts. Moreover, the exosomes were also found near TCs/Tps. Our data confirmed the presence of TCs in gastric lamina propria of the amphibian, and suggested that TCs cooperate with resident stem cells to regulate endocrine cells and gastric glands regeneration and homeostasis.
Collapse
|
12
|
Kostin S. Cardiac telocytes in normal and diseased hearts. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 55:22-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
13
|
Immunohistochemistry of Telocytes in the Uterus and Fallopian Tubes. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:335-357. [PMID: 27796898 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The seminal work of Popescu and colleagues first demonstrated the existence of a new cell type - the telocytes. We were among the first who reported the presence of such cells in the female genital tract and performed TEM examinations, as well as immunohistochemical staining in the attempt to find a specific marker. Telocytes from rat and from the human uterus and from human fallopian tube were extensively investigated initially by comparison with interstitial cells of Cajal. Progress in telocyte research led to the identification of different subtypes suggestive for a heterogeneous telocyte population which can even coexist in the same location. As a consequence, the functions of TCs are still elusive and can be considered a versatile phenomenon that depends on a variety of conditions, including signal reception and transmission of information via extracellular vesicles or by direct intercellular contact.
Collapse
|