Gastric dysmotility in calorically restricted mice is associated with depletion of ICC and enteric neurons

Background: Dyspeptic symptoms and gastric dysrhythmias commonly accompany chronic caloric insufficiency in patients with primary eating disorders and secondary protein-energy malnutritionstion. The mechanisms of gastric dysmotility remain unclear. Calorie deficit reduces IGF-I, which may lead to loss of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and other cell types. Aims: We established mouse models of chronic caloric deficit and associated dysmotilities and studied the fate of ICC and enteric neurons in relation to local production of IGF-I. Methods: Female BALB/c mice (n=6/group) were maintained on different feeding…