Paneth cell

Paneth cells, also called Paneth granule cells, are merocrine glandular cells containing eosinophilic granules and apical strongly in the epithelium at the base of Dünndarmkrypten, but also occur in the stomach and rectum. Task of Paneth cells is the secretion of lysozymes, peptidases, lactoferrin and defensins. They are named after the Austrian physiologist Joseph Paneth ( 1857-1890 ).

It is believed that Paneth cells help maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, because they are in the vicinity of the stem cell of the small intestine. You express here NOD2 and others. Recent research confirms that might be the cause of Crohn's disease, an impaired production of antibacterial defensins.

With increased occurrence in the stomach, there is the danger of the formation of stomach ulcers.