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

Abstract

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.

Is Melatonin the “Next Vitamin D”?: A Review of Emerging Science, Clinical Uses, Safety, and Dietary Supplements

“…Unlike pinealocytes, enterochromaffin cells are not regulated by light and dark but appear affected by food intake and digestion [ 39 , 40 ]. Of note, it remains speculative as to how pineal-produced and gut-derived melatonin interrelate, whether there is any gut-pineal axis crosstalk, and how different dietary patterns or even specific foods, fasting regimens, or timing of meals (chrononutrition) may alter systemic melatonin levels or the physiological relevance of any changes.…”

Impairment in the Intestinal Morphology and in the Immunopositivity of Toll-like Receptor-4 and Other Proteins in an Autistic Mouse Model

“…As regards the alterations of microbiota, Puricelli and collaborators (2022) reported that microbial niches, present in the intestinal lumen, interact with the GI mucosa by directly secreting active metabolites or by indirectly stimulating the release of neurotransmitters by enteroendocrine cells [ 62 ]. Knowing the important role of these cells and the other components of GI cells [ 63 ], we decided to evaluate the possible link between intestinal cells and TLR4, whose immunopositivity is critical to help or regulate the gut microenvironment and the immune system in healthy and pathological states [ 28 ]. In BTBR mice, our results showed higher levels in EP and LP cells, but the most important result was finding its immunopositivity also in the brush border membranes of intestinal cells.…”

An assessment of the effects of neurokinin1 receptor antagonism against nausea and vomiting: Relative efficacy, sites of action and lessons for future drug development

“…A similar explanation of leak into the NTS may account for the block in morphine (subcutaneously) and reduction in copper sulphate (intragastric)-induced vomiting in the ferret by administration of the NK 1 RAs CP-99994 or HSP-117 into the AP. 121 It is a possibility that NK 1 receptors in the AP could be activated if SP (or other tachykinins) are released from gut enteroendocrine cells (EEC) 127 to enter the blood circulation in addition to acting more locally. However, the evidence for this possibility in response to emetic stimuli is weak.…”

“…It is a possibility that NK 1 receptors in the AP could be activated if SP (or other tachykinins) are released from gut enteroendocrine cells (EEC) 127 to enter the blood circulation in addition to acting more locally. However, the evidence for this possibility in response to emetic stimuli is weak.…”