cellneuroendocrine

Neuroendocrine cells, sometimes described as cell neuroendocrine cells, are specialized cells that exhibit both neuronal and endocrine characteristics. They receive neuronal or paracrine input and release hormones or neuropeptides directly into the bloodstream or surrounding fluids in response to stimuli. This dual functionality allows them to translate neural signals into systemic hormonal cues, contributing to homeostasis and coordinated physiological responses.

These cells are distributed widely in the body, notably as enteroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract, where they secrete gut peptides such as gastrin, secretin, and cholecystokinin; pancreatic islet cells (alpha, beta, delta) that release glucagon, insulin, and somatostatin; chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla that secrete catecholamines; and various neuroendocrine cells in the lungs and other organs. They collectively form what is sometimes called the diffuse neuroendocrine system.

Physiologically, neuroendocrine cells store hormones in dense core secretory granules and release them via calcium-dependent exocytosis in response to stimuli. They express neuroendocrine markers including chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and neuron-specific enolase, which are used in research and clinical diagnostics to identify neuroendocrine differentiation.

Clinical relevance arises from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) that arise from these cells. NETs span a spectrum from indolent to highly aggressive and may be functional, secreting hormones that cause clinical syndromes such as insulinoma or carcinoid syndrome. Diagnosis relies on biomarkers and imaging, and treatment may involve surgery, somatostatin analogs, and targeted therapies or peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.