Epsilon cell

Epsilon cells are a type of cell found in the pancreas. They are one of the five types of cells in the Islets of Langerhans, the endocrine part of the pancreas. The other four types of cells are alpha cells, beta cells, delta cells, and PP cells.

Function

Epsilon cells are responsible for the production of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger. Ghrelin is the only known hormone that increases food intake and is considered an important factor in the regulation of energy homeostasis.

Location

Epsilon cells are scattered throughout the Islets of Langerhans, but they are less numerous than the other types of cells. They are often found in close proximity to blood vessels, which allows the ghrelin they produce to be quickly transported to the rest of the body.

Development

Epsilon cells develop from the same precursor cells as the other types of cells in the Islets of Langerhans. The development of these cells is regulated by a complex network of transcription factors, including Pdx1, Ngn3, and MafA.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the function of epsilon cells can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For example, overproduction of ghrelin can lead to obesity, while underproduction can lead to anorexia nervosa. In addition, some studies have suggested that epsilon cells may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.

File:Pancreatic islets en.svg

The pancreatic islets are clusters of cells in the pancreas. Epsilon cells are one of the five types of cells in the islets.

See also

• Pancreas
• Islets of Langerhans
• Ghrelin
• Endocrine system