Intestinal enterochromaffin cell (EC cell)

Intestinal enterochromaffin (EC) cells are specialized enteroendocrine cells located within the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract that act as primary sensory transducers. They are the predominant source of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the body, producing and storing approximately 90% of the total supply [1][2]. These cells respond to various luminal stimuli, including mechanical pressure, nutrients, and microbial metabolites, by releasing serotonin to activate intrinsic and extrinsic primary afferent neurons [3]. This signaling pathway is essential for regulating gut motility, secretion, and visceral sensation. Dysregulation of EC cell function or density is implicated in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and neuroendocrine tumors, where excessive serotonin release leads to symptoms like secretory diarrhea and abdominal pain [4]. Pharmacological management often involves inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme for serotonin synthesis within these cells, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), or antagonizing the downstream serotonin receptors (e.g., 5-HT3 and 5-HT4) to mitigate gastrointestinal dysfunction [5]. Citations: [1] Bellono NW, et al. Cell. 2017;170(1):185-198. [2] Gribble FM, Reimann F. Annu Rev Physiol. 2016;78:277-99. [3] Mawe GM, Hoffman JM. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013;10(8):472-86. [4] Spiller R. Ther Adv Gastroenterol. 2011;4(1):31-47. [5] Kulke MH, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2017;35(1):14-23.

Other names

Enterochromaffin cellEC cellKulchitsky cellArgentaffin cellGastrointestinal enterochromaffin cell

Inhibition of tryptophan hydroxylase 1, antagonism of 5-HT3 receptors, and modulation of serotonin reuptake via the serotonin transporter (SERT)