APUD cell

Updated on Oct 26, 2023

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APUD cells constitute a group of apparently unrelated endocrine cells, which were named by the scientist A.G.E. Pearse, who developed the APUD concept in the early 1960s. These cells share the common function of secreting a low molecular weight polypeptide hormone. There are several different types which secrete the hormones secretin, cholecystokinin and several others. The name is derived from an acronym, referring to the following:

Amine Precursor Uptake - for high uptake of amine precursors including 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA).

Decarboxylase - for high content of the enzyme amino acid decarboxylase (for conversion of precursors to amines).

References

APUD cell Wikipedia

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