Diffuse neuro-endocrine system

The Diffuse Neuro-Endocrine System (DNES) consists of cells from the central nervous system (CNS), Peripheral nervous system (PNS) and nearly all organs with the common phenotype: The ability to produce biological active Amines or Peptides which act like Neurotransmitters (NT), Hormones or Paracrine regulators.

It regroups the old APUD system which stated that all these cells originated from the neural tube.

The Neural Type

These include:

• Adrenal medulla
• Paraganglia

The Epithelial type

These include: separate endocrine gland, or parts thereof

• Adenohypophysiss
• Islets of Langerhans
• parathyroid gland
• Pineal gland

unicellular glands incorporated in other epithelial cells

• GI Tract
• Liver
• Merkel cells of the Skin
• Parafollicular cell of the Thyroid gland
• Mammary glands
• urogenital system (male and female)
• Respiratory system

References

• Polak, J. M., Bloom, S. R. (1979). The diffuse neuroendocrine system. Studies of this newly discovered controlling system in health and disease.