The pathophysiology underlying gastrointestinal complications of long-standing diabetes is poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests an important role of interstitial cells of cajal (ICC) in controlling gastrointestinal motility. This work was planned to study the effect of diabetes on the morphology and distribution of ICC in the stomach of diabetic rats that may explain the pathogenesis of diabetic gastropathy.Methods: Rats were randomly divided into diabetic group and control group, the model of diabetic rats was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. ICC were demonstrated by c-kit immunohistochemistry Results: In the rats of diabetic group, the mean area percent of ICC was decreased compared with control group.Conclusion: It is possible that changes in the distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal in stomach are one of the mechanisms underlying gastropathy in diabetic patients.