Neuropods.

Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are sensory cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Most EECs reside in the mucosal lining of the stomach or intestine and sense food in the gut lumen. Food signals stimulate the release of hormones into the paracellular space where they either act locally or are taken up into the blood and circulate to distant organs. It recently was recognized that many EECs possess basal processes known as neuropods that not only contain hormones but also connect to nerves. This review describes how neuropods contribute to EEC function beyond typical hormonal actions. For example, gastrointestinal hormones not only act on distant organs, but, through neuropods, some act locally to stimulate other mucosal cells such as intestinal stem cells, enterocytes, or other EECs. With the recent discovery that EECs communicate directly with enteric nerves, EECs not only have the ability to sense food and bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, but can communicate these signals directly to the nervous system.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Liddle, RA

Published Date

  • 2019

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 7 / 4

Start / End Page

  • 739 - 747

PubMed ID

  • 30710726

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC6463090

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 2352-345X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2019.01.006

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States