Enterochromaffin cell: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:24, 16 February 2025

Enterochromaffin Cell[edit]

Chemical structure of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter produced by enterochromaffin cells.

Enterochromaffin cells are a type of neuroendocrine cell found in the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract. These cells are primarily responsible for the synthesis and secretion of serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in regulating intestinal motility and secretion.

Structure[edit]

Enterochromaffin cells are dispersed throughout the mucosa of the stomach, small intestine, and colon. They are characterized by their ability to take up and decarboxylate amino acids, a process that is essential for the production of serotonin. These cells contain numerous secretory granules that store serotonin until it is released in response to various stimuli.

Function[edit]

The primary function of enterochromaffin cells is the production and release of serotonin. Serotonin acts on the enteric nervous system to regulate peristalsis and gastrointestinal secretion. It also plays a role in nausea and vomiting by acting on the central nervous system.

Serotonin Synthesis[edit]

Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan through a series of enzymatic reactions. The first step involves the hydroxylation of tryptophan to form 5-hydroxytryptophan, which is then decarboxylated to produce serotonin. This process occurs within the enterochromaffin cells and is crucial for maintaining normal gastrointestinal function.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Dysfunction of enterochromaffin cells can lead to various gastrointestinal disorders. For example, an overproduction of serotonin can result in carcinoid syndrome, characterized by flushing, diarrhea, and bronchospasm. Conversely, a deficiency in serotonin production can contribute to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Enterochromaffin cells''', also known as '''EC cells''', are a type of [[enteroendocrine cell]] found in the [[epithelium]] of the [[digestive tract]]. These cells are primarily located within the lining of the [[stomach]] and [[intestine]], where they play a crucial role in the regulation of [[gastrointestinal]] function. Enterochromaffin cells are best known for their ability to produce and secrete [[serotonin]] (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), a key [[neurotransmitter]] involved in the regulation of [[gastrointestinal motility]] and secretion.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Enterochromaffin cell}}
-==Function==
+== Enterochromaffin Cell ==
-Enterochromaffin cells are part of the body's [[enteric nervous system]], often referred to as the "second brain" due to its autonomy and the vast network of neurons. The primary function of EC cells is the synthesis and release of serotonin in response to mechanical or chemical stimuli within the gut. Serotonin released by EC cells acts on the surrounding [[nervous tissue]] and smooth muscle cells, facilitating peristalsis and regulating gut motility. Additionally, serotonin plays a role in the modulation of [[intestinal secretion]] and the sensation of [[nausea]] and [[vomiting]].
-==Location and Structure==
+[[File:Serotonin-2D-skeletal.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter produced by enterochromaffin cells.]]
-Enterochromaffin cells are dispersed throughout the gastrointestinal tract but are most abundant in the [[duodenum]] and the [[ileum]]. Morphologically, these cells are characterized by their flask-shaped structure, with a broad base in contact with the basal lamina and a narrow apex that reaches the gut lumen. This positioning allows EC cells to directly sense the luminal environment and respond appropriately.
-==Pathophysiology==
+Enterochromaffin cells are a type of [[neuroendocrine cell]] found in the [[epithelium]] of the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. These cells are primarily responsible for the synthesis and secretion of [[serotonin]], a crucial neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in regulating [[intestinal motility]] and [[secretion]].
-Alterations in the number or function of enterochromaffin cells can lead to various gastrointestinal disorders. For instance, an increase in EC cell number is associated with [[Irritable Bowel Syndrome]] (IBS), particularly the subtype characterized by diarrhea (IBS-D). This is thought to be due to the overproduction of serotonin, leading to increased gut motility and secretion. Conversely, a decrease in serotonin levels has been linked to [[constipation]]-predominant IBS.
-Furthermore, enterochromaffin cells can give rise to certain types of [[neuroendocrine tumors]], known as [[carcinoid tumors]]. These tumors can produce excessive amounts of serotonin, leading to a collection of symptoms known as [[carcinoid syndrome]], characterized by flushing, diarrhea, and, over time, heart valve damage due to the fibrotic effects of serotonin.
+== Structure ==
-==Research and Clinical Significance==
+Enterochromaffin cells are dispersed throughout the [[mucosa]] of the [[stomach]], [[small intestine]], and [[colon]]. They are characterized by their ability to take up and decarboxylate [[amino acids]], a process that is essential for the production of serotonin. These cells contain numerous [[secretory granules]] that store serotonin until it is released in response to various stimuli.
-Research into enterochromaffin cells and their function has expanded our understanding of gastrointestinal physiology and the pathogenesis of related disorders. Targeting the serotonin system, including the receptors and transporters involved in serotonin signaling, has been explored as a therapeutic approach for conditions like IBS and carcinoid syndrome. Drugs that modulate serotonin levels, such as [[serotonin receptor agonists]] and [[serotonin reuptake inhibitors]], are currently used in the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders.
-==See Also==
+== Function ==
+The primary function of enterochromaffin cells is the production and release of serotonin. Serotonin acts on the [[enteric nervous system]] to regulate [[peristalsis]] and [[gastrointestinal secretion]]. It also plays a role in [[nausea]] and [[vomiting]] by acting on the [[central nervous system]].
+=== Serotonin Synthesis ===
+Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid [[tryptophan]] through a series of enzymatic reactions. The first step involves the hydroxylation of tryptophan to form 5-hydroxytryptophan, which is then decarboxylated to produce serotonin. This process occurs within the enterochromaffin cells and is crucial for maintaining normal gastrointestinal function.
+== Clinical Significance ==
+Dysfunction of enterochromaffin cells can lead to various gastrointestinal disorders. For example, an overproduction of serotonin can result in [[carcinoid syndrome]], characterized by [[flushing]], [[diarrhea]], and [[bronchospasm]]. Conversely, a deficiency in serotonin production can contribute to conditions such as [[irritable bowel syndrome]] (IBS).
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Neuroendocrine cell]]
+* [[Serotonin]]
 * [[Gastrointestinal tract]]
-* [[Serotonin]]
+* [[Peristalsis]]
-* [[Neuroendocrine tumor]]
+* [[Carcinoid syndrome]]
-* [[Irritable Bowel Syndrome]]
+[[Category:Cell biology]]
 [[Category:Gastroenterology]]
-[[Category:Endocrinology]]
+[[Category:Neuroendocrinology]]
-[[Category:Cell biology]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}