Enterochromaffin-like cell histamine release pathway

Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells are neuroendocrine cells located in the gastric glands of the stomach mucosa, adjacent to parietal cells[2]. ECL cells synthesize and secrete histamine in response to hormonal signals, especially gastrin (acting via the CCK-2/gastrin receptor), and to neural stimulation (notably acetylcholine acting on M1 receptors)[1][2][3][4]. Released histamine acts in a paracrine fashion on neighboring parietal cells via H2 receptors to stimulate gastric acid secretion[3][4]. Somatostatin inhibits ECL cells, while gastrin and certain neural signals stimulate them. Chronic overstimulation can cause ECL cell hyperplasia, relevant to gastrointestinal disorders such as gastrinoma and Zollinger–Ellison syndrome[2][3][4].

Other names

Enterochromaffin-like cellsECL cellsgastric ECL cellgastric enterochromaffin-like cell

Indirectly modulated via inhibition of gastrin/CCK-2 receptor. Inhibition of H2 receptor on parietal cells (histamine action blocked). Somatostatin analogs to decrease stimulus.