Enterochromaffin cells (ECs) are the type of endocrine cells primarily located in the epithelium of the small intestine, especially in the duodenum and jejunum. They are also present in the large intestine and rectum. ECs produce and secrete various substances, including serotonin, histamine, and dopamine. These substances act as neurotransmitters or hormones, regulating various aspects of gut function, such as gut motility, secretion, and blood flow. For example, serotonin is a crucial regulator of gastrointestinal motility, while histamine plays a role in stomach acid secretion.
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