Enteroendocrine cell

Enteroendocrine cells are specialized endocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract. They produce hormones such as serotonin, somatostatin, motilin, cholecystokinin, gastric inhibitory peptide, neurotensin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and enteroglucagon.

Most enteroendocrine cells are found in the islets of Langerhans, but they are also found in other locations. For example, the G cells (which secrete gastrin) are located primarily in the stomach. Enteroendocrine cells are also found in the duodenum.

Enterochromaffin-like cell and enterochromaffin cells are also considered enteroendocrine cells.

Pathology
Rare and slow growing carcinoid tumors develop from these cells. When a tumor arises it has the capacity to secrete large volumes of hormones.