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Pseudopod-like basal cell processes in intestinal cholecystokinin cells
Rashmi Chandra1, Leigh Ann Samsa, Steven R Vigna
1Duke University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA. rashmi.chandra@duke.edu
Cell and Tissue Research
|June 29, 2010
Summary
Cholecystokinin (CCK) cells in the small intestine possess unique cellular processes. These processes likely facilitate paracrine secretion, directly interacting with sucrase-isomaltase-positive enterocytes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a peptide hormone secreted by neuroendocrine cells in the upper small intestine.
- These CCK-secreting cells constitute a small fraction (0.1%-0.5%) of mucosal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology and cellular processes of CCK-secreting cells.
- To determine the target cells of CCK secretion via its cellular extensions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transgenic mice with CCK promoter-driven green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression.
- Applied immunofluorescence and 3D reconstruction techniques to analyze CCK cell morphology.
- Co-stained sections with antibodies for chromogranin A, trefoil factor-3, and sucrase-isomaltase.
Main Results:
- GFP and CCK expression colocalized in flask- or spindle-shaped neuroendocrine cells.
- Observed dendritic processes (pseudopods) extending from CCK cells, some reaching adjacent cells.
- CCK immunostaining was abundant in these pseudopods.
- CCK cell processes predominantly targeted sucrase-isomaltase-positive enterocytes.
Conclusions:
- CCK cells possess cellular processes that appear specialized for paracrine secretion.
- These processes likely mediate CCK release onto adjacent enterocytes, influencing intestinal function.
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