ARGENTAFFIN CELLS

argentaffin cells: translation

So-called because they will form cytoplasmic deposits of metallic silver from silver salts. Their characteristic histochemical behaviour arises from 5-HT (serotonin), which they secrete. Found chiefly in the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract (though possibly of neural crest origin) their function is rather obscure, although there is a widely distributed family of such paracrine (local endocrine) cells (APUD cells).