A Focus on Enterochromaffin Cells among the Enteroendocrine Cells: Localization, Morphology, and Role. 2022

Rita Rezzani, and Caterina Franco, and Lorenzo Franceschetti, and Marzia Gianò, and Gaia Favero
Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.

The intestinal epithelium plays a key role in managing the relationship with the environment, the internal and external inputs, and their changes. One percent of the gut epithelium is represented by the enteroendocrine cells. Among the enteroendocrine cells, a group of specific cells characterized by the presence of yellow granules, the enterochromaffin cells, has been identified. These granules contain many secretion products. Studies showed that these cells are involved in gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions and hyperalgesia; their number increases in these conditions both in affected and not-affected zones of the gut. Moreover, they are involved in the preservation and modulation of the intestinal function and motility, and they sense metabolic-nutritional alterations. Sometimes, they are confused or mixed with other enteroendocrine cells, and it is difficult to define their activity. However, it is known that they change their functions during diseases; they increased in number, but their involvement is related mainly to some secretion products (serotonin, melatonin, substance P). The mechanisms linked to these alterations are not well investigated. Herein, we provide an up-to-date highlight of the main findings about these cells, from their discovery to today. We emphasized their origin, morphology, and their link with diet to better evaluate their role for preventing or treating metabolic disorders considering that these diseases are currently a public health burden.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007413 Intestinal Mucosa Lining of the INTESTINES, consisting of an inner EPITHELIUM, a middle LAMINA PROPRIA, and an outer MUSCULARIS MUCOSAE. In the SMALL INTESTINE, the mucosa is characterized by a series of folds and abundance of absorptive cells (ENTEROCYTES) with MICROVILLI. Intestinal Epithelium,Intestinal Glands,Epithelium, Intestinal,Gland, Intestinal,Glands, Intestinal,Intestinal Gland,Mucosa, Intestinal
D004759 Enterochromaffin Cells A subtype of enteroendocrine cells found in the gastrointestinal MUCOSA, particularly in the glands of PYLORIC ANTRUM; DUODENUM; and ILEUM. These cells secrete mainly SEROTONIN and some neuropeptides. Their secretory granules stain readily with silver (argentaffin stain). Argentaffin Cells,5-HT-Containing Enterochromaffin Cells,Serotonin-Containing Enterochromaffin Cells,5 HT Containing Enterochromaffin Cells,5-HT-Containing Enterochromaffin Cell,Argentaffin Cell,Cell, Enterochromaffin,Cells, Enterochromaffin,Enterochromaffin Cell,Enterochromaffin Cell, 5-HT-Containing,Enterochromaffin Cell, Serotonin-Containing,Enterochromaffin Cells, 5-HT-Containing,Enterochromaffin Cells, Serotonin-Containing,Serotonin Containing Enterochromaffin Cells,Serotonin-Containing Enterochromaffin Cell
D005767 Gastrointestinal Diseases Diseases in any segment of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT from ESOPHAGUS to RECTUM. Cholera Infantum,Gastrointestinal Disorders,Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders,Gastrointestinal Disorders, Functional,Disease, Gastrointestinal,Diseases, Gastrointestinal,Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder,Gastrointestinal Disease,Gastrointestinal Disorder,Gastrointestinal Disorder, Functional
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012701 Serotonin A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid L-TRYPTOPHAN. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Multiple receptor families (RECEPTORS, SEROTONIN) explain the broad physiological actions and distribution of this biochemical mediator. 5-HT,5-Hydroxytryptamine,3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-ol,Enteramine,Hippophaine,Hydroxytryptamine,5 Hydroxytryptamine
D019858 Enteroendocrine Cells Cells found throughout the lining of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT that contain and secrete regulatory PEPTIDE HORMONES and/or BIOGENIC AMINES. Endocrine Cells of Gut,Endocrine Cells, Gastrointestinal,Intestinal L Cells,Intestinal Secretin Cells,L Cells (Intestine),S Cells (Intestine),Secretin Cells of Gut,Endocrine Cell, Gastrointestinal,Enteroendocrine Cell,Gastrointestinal Endocrine Cell,Gastrointestinal Endocrine Cells,Gut Endocrine Cell,Gut Endocrine Cells,Gut Secretin Cell,Gut Secretin Cells,Intestinal L Cell,Intestinal Secretin Cell,L Cell (Intestine),L Cell, Intestinal,L Cells, Intestinal,S Cell (Intestine),Secretin Cell, Intestinal,Secretin Cells, Intestinal

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