The exocytotic and crinophagic pathways in ECL cells of the rat stomach
The ECL cells in the stomach produce, store and secrete a variety of secretory products, such as histamine and chromogranin A-derived peptides (e.g. pancreastatin). The functional significance of the ECL cells can be expected to reflect the nature/bioactivity of the secreted products. Although the anticipated peptide hormone of the ECL cells remains unidentified, ECL-cell histamine is recognized a