| enterochromaffin cells | Group of basal granular cells of the gut whose granules stain readily with silver and chromium salts. The cells secrete serotonin, substance p, and enkephalins. There are three types: gastric (antral mucosa), duodenal, and intestinal. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| enterochromaffin-like cells | Irregular-shaped argyrophilic cells which produce histamine, chromogranin a/pancreastatin, and an as yet unidentified peptide hormone. They are the predominant endocrine cell type of the oxyntic (acid-producing) mucosa of the stomach. Ecl cells respond to gastrin by releasing their secretory products and this source of histamine acts as the positive paracrine stimulator of the release of hydrochloric acid from the parietal cell. (12 Dec 1998) |