Altered expression of c-kit-positive cells in the ureterovesical junction after surgically created vesicoureteral reflux.

Purpose Peristaltic contractions propel urine unidirectionally from the renal pelvis trough the ureter and into the bladder. A morphologically and functionally competent ureterovesical junction prevents vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). According to current knowledge, pyeloureteral peristalsis is driven by atypical muscle cells within the upper urinary tract. Another likely relevant cell population, which is c-kit-positive, has been shown to be present within the whole urinary tract. Morphological changes of c-kit-positive cells have been described in VUR and pyeloureteral junction (PUJ) obstruction. Nevertheless, the functional importance of c-kit-positive interstitial cells has not yet been elucidated fully. Therefore, we investigated the influence of experimentally created VUR on the expression of c-kit-positive cells.