Dr. Anant Dattatray Dhanwate, Dr. Swapna Ashok Ambekar and Dr. Madhavi Dattatray Gaikwad

The enteroendocrine cells form the largest system of endocrine cells in the body scattered diffusely in the gastrointestinal mucosa from stomach to rectum. These cells and their secretary products are essential for wide array of functions including digestion, nutrient absorption, immune response to luminal chemicals, toxins and microbes, luminal sensing via gut-brain axis, gut motility and epithelial renewal. Recently several molecular mechanisms underlying these diverse functions as well as underlying the diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, obesity and type 2 diabetes with possible role of enteroendocrine cells have been elucidated providing novel therapeutic targets. In this review we elaborate current knowledge on development, morphology, secretions, functions, molecular mechanisms and clinical implications of enteroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the adult human being.