capable of ghrelin secreting cell pancreatic epsilon cell Pancreatic epsilon cells are a specialized type of endocrine cell found in the islets of Langerhans, a region of the pancreas responsible for hormone production. These clusters of cells constitute only about 1% of the pancreatic islet cell population, making them a relatively small yet significant component of the pancreas. Pancreatic epsilon cells have a round or ovoid shape with occasional cytoplasmic extensions and are characterized by small and spherical granules. The principal function of pancreatic epsilon cells involves the synthesis and release of the hormone ghrelin, a peptide hormone predominantly produced in the stomach; pancreatic epsilon cells are one of the few sites outside the gastrointestinal tract known to produce this hormone. Ghrelin has multiple vital roles, playing a significant part in generating hunger sensations, promoting fat storage, and influencing various metabolic processes. It also stimulates the release of Growth Hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland. During fetal development, when they form a layer around the islet, epsilon cells are an important source of ghrelin, likely secreting the hormone into the circulation; their numbers decrease in adults. While research on pancreatic epsilon cells is still ongoing, these cells have been implicated in several disease states, most notably Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The dysfunction or reduction in the number of pancreatic epsilon cells can lead to anomalies in ghrelin production, impacting overall metabolic homeostasis and glucose regulation. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) In mammals the endocrine pancreas is called the Islets of Langerhans. ZFA:0005598 https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0005019 Ghrelin secreting cells found in the endocrine pancreas. pancreatic E cell pancreatic endocrine cell ghrelin secretion Homo sapiens