ECLcellen

ECLcellen, or enterochromaffin-like cells, are neuroendocrine cells in the gastric mucosa that secrete histamine. They are found mainly in the oxyntic mucosa of the stomach, especially in the fundus and body within the gastric glands, where they reside in close proximity to parietal cells.

ECLcellen contain histidine decarboxylase and store histamine in secretory granules. They can be identified histologically by histamine or HDC staining. These cells are stimulated by hormonal and neural signals and express receptors for gastrin (CCK-B) and, in some contexts, muscarinic receptors, enabling regulation by both endocrine and nervous inputs.

The primary role of ECLcellen is to regulate gastric acid secretion via a paracrine pathway. Gastrin released from G cells into the bloodstream stimulates ECLcellen to release histamine, which then binds H2 receptors on neighboring parietal cells to promote acid secretion. Acetylcholine from vagal stimulation can enhance histamine release, while somatostatin from D cells inhibits ECL activity, providing a balance in acid production.

Clinical relevance includes the effects of chronic hypergastrinemia, which can drive ECLcellen hyperplasia and, less commonly, the development of ECL cell tumors (carcinoids). These changes are often reversible if gastrin levels normalize. In practice, ECL cell activity and related tumor risk are monitored in conditions such as gastrin-secreting tumors or prolonged proton pump inhibitor therapy. Markers like chromogranin A may be elevated in neuroendocrine tumors involving ECLcellen.