Hyperplasia of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells in infancy and childhood

Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNEC) are widely distributed throughout the airway mucosa of mammalian lung as solitary cells and as distinctive innervated clusters, neuroepithelial bodies (NEB). These cells differentiate early during lung development and are more prominent in fetal/neonatal lungs compared to adults. PNEC/NEB cells produce biogenic amine (serotonin) and a variety of peptides (ie. bombesin) involved in regulation of lung function. During the perinatal period, NEB are thought to function as airway O2/CO2 sensors.
Source: Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology - Category: Pathology Authors: Source Type: research