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Enterochromaffin Cells and Mast Cells in Acute Appendicitis
Bhavya P Mohan1, K P Aravindan2
1Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Journal of Laboratory Physicians
|September 9, 2020
Summary
Degranulated mast cells, not enterochromaffin cells, are the likely source of increased serotonin in acute appendicitis. This finding impacts understanding of appendicitis pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Pathology
- Cell Biology and Inflammation
Background:
- Serotonin levels are elevated in acute appendicitis.
- The precise source of this serotonin increase remains unclear.
- Enterochromaffin (EC) cells and mast cells are potential contributors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the distribution and density of EC cells and mast cells in normal versus appendicitis appendices.
- To investigate the degranulation status of mast cells in both conditions.
- To identify the primary source of elevated serotonin in acute appendicitis.
Main Methods:
- Histological analysis of appendix sections from 15 acute appendicitis and 10 normal cases.
- Immunohistochemistry for chromogranin (EC cells) and CD-117 (mast cells).
- Quantification of EC cells and mast cells across different tissue layers, assessing mast cell degranulation.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in epithelial or extraepithelial EC cell counts between normal and appendicitis appendices.
- A substantial increase in degranulated mast cells was observed in acute appendicitis compared to normal appendices.
- Mast cell degranulation appears to be a key feature of acute appendicitis.
Conclusions:
- Degranulated mast cells are the probable main source of elevated serotonin in acute appendicitis.
- Enterochromaffin cells do not appear to be the primary driver of increased serotonin.
- This study reframes the understanding of serotonin's role in appendicitis pathogenesis.
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