Action potential generation in the small intestine of W mutant mice that lack interstitial cells of Cajal

The small intestine of W/Wv mice lacks both the network of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), associated with Auerbach's plexus, and pacemaker activity, i.e., it does not generate slow-wave-type action potentials. The W/Wv muscle preparations showed a wide variety of electrical activities, ranging from total quiescence to generation of action potentials at regular or irregular frequency with or without periods of quiescence. The action …