APUD cell

APUD ( amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation ) is the obsolete term for endocrine cells, which are located outside of the endocrine organs in the epithelia of other organ systems. Your designation has been awarded due to its ability to absorb amino acids and decarboxylation to form biogenic amines such as serotonin. All cells of the APUD originate from the neural crest. Today we know that not all cells receive endocrine active amines, so that the name diffuse neuroendocrine system ( Dnes ) is preferred.

The concept is by Anthony GE Pearse (1966, naming 1969).

• Endocrine organ
• Abbreviation