ENTEROCHROMAFFIN-LIKE CELLS AND THEIR REC EPTORS - PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

The enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells represent the predominating endo crine cell population in the oxyntic mucosa of the stomach. They are u nder the influence of gastrin. Recently, a histamine production was sh own within the secretory granules of ECL cells. ECL cells appear to pl ay a crucial role in the physiology of gastric acid secretion. There a re many unknowns concerning the intervention of other trophic factors in addition to gastrin and concerning the receptors located on the cel ls. ECL cell hyperplasia is a well documented consequence of hypergast rinemia. The latter can result from a gastrinoma or from a reduction o f gastric acid secretion related to pernicious anemia or to long-term treatment with antisecretory drugs.