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Human Reference Atlas
Last uploaded:
January 7, 2025
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| Id | http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/CL_0000166
http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/CL_0000166
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|---|---|
| Preferred Name | chromaffin cell |
| Definitions |
A cell that stores epinephrine secretory vesicles. During times of stress, the nervous system signals the vesicles to secrete their hormonal content. Their name derives from their ability to stain a brownish color with chromic salts. Characteristically, they are located in the adrenal medulla and paraganglia of the sympathetic nervous system.
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| Synonyms |
phaeochromocyte
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| Type | http://www.w3.org/2002/07/owl#Class |
All Properties
| definition | A cell that stores epinephrine secretory vesicles. During times of stress, the nervous system signals the vesicles to secrete their hormonal content. Their name derives from their ability to stain a brownish color with chromic salts. Characteristically, they are located in the adrenal medulla and paraganglia of the sympathetic nervous system. |
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| altLabel |
phaeochromocyte
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| prefLabel |
chromaffin cell
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| label |
chromaffin cell
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| description |
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 to only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.
Chromaffin cells, also known as pheochromocytes, are neuroendocrine cells that are typically located in the adrenal medulla, the innermost part of the adrenal gland, which is situated on top of each kidney. Chromaffin cells are also found in small clusters, known as paraganglia, in various locations throughout the body, including the sympathetic nervous system. They derive their name from their ability to stain a brownish-black color upon exposure to chromic salts, a feature made possible due to their high content of granules rich in catecholamines and catecholamine-related neurotransmitters.
The primary function of chromaffin cells is the synthesis and release of catecholamines, specifically epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). These neurotransmitters are vital stress hormones that, when released by the adrenal chromaffing cells into the bloodstream, prepare the body for the 'fight or flight' response. This response can enhance the body's performance in a dangerous situation by increasing heart rate, elevating blood sugar, and increasing blood flow to the muscles. The chromaffin cells in paraganglia are responsible for the local release of catecholamines and play a role in regulating blood pressure and other autonomic functions.
In addition to their role in stress response, chromaffin cells also contribute to the body's immune response. They secrete several peptides including antimicrobial peptides, and the discovery of LPS and cytokine receptors on chromaffin cells suggests that the adrenal medulla may participate in some aspects of the immune response.
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| database_cross_reference | |
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| prefixIRI |
CL:0000166
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| subClassOf | |
| type | |
| has exact synonym |
phaeochromocyte
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