EM 020 Paneth Cells

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Paneth Cells

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the epithelium at the base of an intestinal crypt, or crypt of Lieberkühn, in the small intestine.

(green) - filled with large, electron-dense secretory granules (purple) clustered near the lumen of the crypt
- Remain at the base of the crypts
- Secrete antimicrobial peptides, such as defensins, and enzymes, such as lysozyme, and phospholipase A2
- Provide crucial signals for maintaining and proliferation of stem cells.
- Long lifespans compared to other intestinal cells
Transit-Amplifying Cells (,; tan) - progenitor cells that undergo rapid cell division and differentiate as they move up from the crypt to the villi
- Produce enterocytes, goblet cells, Paneth cells, and enteroendocrine cells
(orange) - narrow, tall cells adjacent to Paneth cells
- Self-renew and produce progenitor cells.
Enteroendocrine Cells (,; red) - scattered cells that release hormones into the bloodstream
- Secrete gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), or somatostatin
- Important part of the gut-brain axis that regulates digestion, appetite, and metabolism

(light blue) are seen in the lumen of the crypt.

Subcellular Structures