Neuroendokriinseid

Neuroendokriinseid refers to neuroendocrine cells, a specialized group of cells that combine features of both neurons and endocrine cells. These cells reside in various tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, pancreas, and skin, where they release peptide hormones and neurotransmitters directly into the bloodstream or to nearby target cells. The primary role of neuroendocrine cells is to sense physiological signals, process this information, and modulate systemic functions like digestion, growth, metabolism, and the stress response. Because they express receptors for diverse stimuli, they act as integrators between neural and hormonal signaling pathways.

Morphologically, neuroendocrine cells are typically small, mononuclear cells with dense-core secretory granules visible by electron microscopy. They communicate through axon-like processes or dendrites, and many also release hormones into the circulation. The secreted molecules include gastrin, cholecystokinin, serotonin, bombesin, pancreatic polypeptide, and many others that influence local tissue activity and distant organs. Neuroendocrine cells participate in the enterochromaffin system of the gut, contribute to the pancreatic islet β–cell function, and play a role in neurohumoral control of airway tone. In the brain, a subset of neuroendocrine cells constitutes the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, pivotal for endocrine regulation through releasing hormones such as corticotropin-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone.

Dysfunction of neuroendocrine cells can lead to a spectrum of pathologies. Hyperplasia or neoplastic transformation of neuroendocrine tissues causes neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoids and pheochromocytomas. Conversely, loss of neuroendocrine cell function is associated with digestive disorders, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and certain neurodegenerative diseases. Current research focuses on understanding the molecular pathways that govern neuroendocrine cell development, maintenance, and tumorigenesis, aiming to develop targeted therapies and diagnostic markers.