Enteroendocrine cells
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Enteroendocrine cells are specialized endocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract. They produce hormones such as serotonin[1], somatostatin, motilin, cholecystokinin, gastric inhibitory peptide, neurotensin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and enteroglucagon.
Most enteroendocrine cells are found in the islets of Langerhans, but they are also found in other locations. For example, the G cells (which secrete gastrin) are located primarily in the stomach.[2] Enteroendocrine cells are also found in the duodenum.[3]
Enterochromaffin-like cell and enterochromaffin cells are also considered enteroendocrine cells.[4]
[edit] Pathology
Rare and slow growing carcinoid tumors develop from these cells. When a tumor arises it has the capacity to secrete large volumes of hormones.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ UIUC Histology Subject 321
- ^ iv_1/g/G_cell article at GE's Medcyclopaedia
- ^ Histology at BU 11604loa - "Endocrine System: duodenum, enteroendocrine cells"
- ^ MeSH Enteroendocrine+cells
