Chief cell

Chief cells, also known as principal cells, are cells in the stomach that are responsible for secreting pepsinogen, a precursor to the digestive enzyme pepsin. They are located in the lower part of the gastric glands, also known as the fundic glands, in the stomach.

Structure

Chief cells are typically polygonal and basophilic. They are located at the base of the gastric glands, below the parietal cells. The cells contain a large, round nucleus and a basophilic cytoplasm due to the presence of rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Function

The primary function of chief cells is to secrete pepsinogen, the inactive form of the enzyme pepsin. Pepsinogen is activated into pepsin by the acidic environment of the stomach, provided by the hydrochloric acid secreted by the parietal cells. Pepsin then aids in the digestion of proteins by breaking down the peptide bonds that hold the amino acids together.

In addition to pepsinogen, chief cells also secrete gastric lipase, an enzyme that aids in the digestion of fats.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the function or number of chief cells can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For example, hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria, conditions characterized by low or absent stomach acid production, can result in decreased activation of pepsinogen and thus impaired protein digestion.

Atrophic gastritis, a condition characterized by inflammation and atrophy (wasting away) of the stomach lining, can also affect the chief cells, leading to decreased secretion of pepsinogen and gastric lipase.

See also

• Gastric glands
• Parietal cells
• Pepsin
• Pepsinogen
• Gastric lipase

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