Pancreatic endocrine tumours.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal endocrine neoplasms are rare tumours that have been classified by the peptides they secrete and the resulting clinical syndromes. The incidence of these tumours is estimated to be less than 1-1.5 cases/100,000 of the general population. These gastrointestinal endocrine cells are characterized by similar cytochemical and ultrastructural characteristics, contain amines and they are capable of uptake of amine precursors to amines or peptides. The function of these cells is the neuroendocrine regulation of normal homeostatic mechanisms including vasomotor tone as well as carbohydrate, calcium and electrolyte metabolism. Each amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation cell normally synthesizes, stores and secretes its single amine or polypeptide and is responsive to its environment for stimulation or suppression in the related clinical syndrome.