Epsilon cell Epsilon cell Epsilon cells (ε-cells) are endocrine cells found in the Islets of Langerhans and produce the hormone ghrelin. They were discovered in mice. In human fetal pancreases, single epsilon cells scattered in primitive exocrine tissue were observed to start aggregating into clusters after gestational week 13. From gestational week 21, epsilon cells were observed around developing islets, forming an almost continuous layer at the rim of the islets. In adult pancreas samples, they remained localized on the mantle of the islets in different amounts. Production of ghrelin with insulin, glucagon, or somatostatin was not detected during development. Co-production with
Langerhans cell morphology and function to macrophages. Langerin is a protein found in Langerhans cells, and other types of dendritic cells. In the rare disease Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), an excess of cells similar to these cells are produced. However LCH cells stain positive to CD14 which is a monocyte marker and shows a different, hematopoietic origin for the disorder. LCH can cause damage to skin, bone and other organs. Langerhans cells may be initial cellular targets in the sexual transmission of HIV, and may be a target, reservoir, and vector of dissemination. Langerhans cells have been observed in foreskin, vaginal, and