Enteroendocrine cell

An enteroendocrine cell is a specialized gastrointestinal epithelial cell that senses chemical or neural signals and releases hormones regulating digestion, appetite, and metabolism.

Nutrient sensing: The detection of nutrients by cells, which triggers changes in cellular signaling or physiology. Enteroendocrine cells detect luminal nutrients and translate their presence into hormone secretion.
Gastrointestinal epithelium: The cellular lining of the digestive tract, separating its contents from underlying tissues. Enteroendocrine cells are scattered within this barrier and face the intestinal lumen.
Cholecystokinin: A peptide hormone that stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion and gallbladder contraction after a meal. I cells release cholecystokinin in response to nutrients, coordinating digestion and satiety.
Gut–brain axis: The bidirectional communication network connecting the gastrointestinal tract with the central nervous system. Hormones and neural pathways from enteroendocrine cells carry information about gut contents toward the brain.
Enteroendocrine cell heterogeneity: The diversity of molecular profiles, locations, and functions among enteroendocrine cells. Cells once grouped by single hormones can express overlapping programs and respond differently to nutrients.
G protein-coupled receptor: A membrane receptor that activates intracellular signaling through heterotrimeric G proteins. Several nutrient receptors in enteroendocrine cells use this receptor family to trigger secretion.
Enterocyte: An absorptive epithelial cell that takes up nutrients and water from the intestinal lumen. Enterocytes dominate the intestinal lining, whereas enteroendocrine cells specialize in signaling.
Glucagon-like peptide-1: An incretin hormone that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying. L cells release GLP-1, making enteroendocrine signaling a target for diabetes and obesity drugs.
Incretin effect: The greater insulin response to oral glucose than to an equivalent intravenous glucose load. Enteroendocrine incretins explain much of this amplification of insulin secretion after eating.
Intestinal organoid: A three-dimensional, stem-cell-derived model that reproduces key features of intestinal tissue. Organoids let researchers study enteroendocrine differentiation and secretion in controlled conditions.

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SecretinNarrower topic: Secretin is one product of specialized enteroendocrine cells in the intestinal lining.