PANETH CELLS: HISTORY OF DISCOVERY, STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND THE ROLE IN THE MAINTENANCE OF HOMEOSTASIS IN THE SMALL INTESTINE

Abstract

Cells with acidophilic granules in the crypts of the small intestine were first described, along with the other cells of intestinal epithelium, in 1872 by a well-known German anatomist, histologist and anthropologist G. A. Schwalbe, however they were named after an Austrian histologist and physiologist J. Paneth, who has performed their detailed morphological analysis in 1888. For many decades the role of Paneth cells (PCs) remained completely unclear, until in 1960–1970 the production of antimicrobial molecules by these cells was found. At present, it is established that PCs produce a broad spectrum of antimicrobial compounds, thus controlling the number and content of intestinal microbial populations. PCs are an important part of innate immunity defense mechanisms, however, by interacting with the other cells, they participate in the reactions of the adaptive immunity. By creating high concentrations of antimicrobial substances within the crypt, PCs protect intestinal stem cells from the damage by potentially pathogenic microorganisms, while by releasing some signaling molecules, they control the vital functions of these cells, being an important component of their niche. Affecting the host tissues and influencing the microbial populations, PCs play a significant role in the maintenance of homeostasis in the intestine.

Keywords

Paneth cells / intestine / epithelium / defense mechanisms

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