Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells in physiology and pathology.
Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells are scant and widespread within the pulmonary epithelium. The function they play is not fully known, more studies are needed to clearly define it. They have been implicated however, as either the culprit or victim of many pulmonary diseases. That is the reason, why so many scientists take interest in the pulmonary neuroendocrine system. This paper reviews current information regarding pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, their origin, morphology, ontogeny, role, neuroendocrine cell markers, dysplasia and hyperplasia of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells in various conditions, diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia, typical carcinoid, atypical carcinoid, small-cell lung carcinoma, large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and the unusual spectrum of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours.
Rydzewska-Rosołowska
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AE
Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical Academy, Białystok, Poland. erydzews@polbox.com
Kasacka
I
I
Sulewska
A
A
Rudy
A
A
Chyczewski
L
L
D000818:Animals; D002276:Carcinoid Tumor / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018287:Carcinoma, Large Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018278:Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology