Abstract
Five principal cytochemical characteristics, and a number of ultra structural features, are shared by cells whose common property is the synthesis and secretion of polypeptide hormones. The three cytochemical characteristics common to all eight cell types are described by the letters
APUD
(amine and precursor uptake and decarboxylation), and the cells are considered to belong to the
APUD
series. All of the cells are situated in the intestinal tractor in glands or tissues which are derivatives of the primitive digestive tube. Those with a known polypeptide hormone product include pituitary corticotrophs and melanotrophs, and the pancreatic islet
α
2
an
β
cells. Evidence is presented to show that the thyroid and ultimobranchial C cells, with their product calcitonin, fall in the same category. It is suggested that the remaining cells in the
APUD
series (pancreatic islet
α
1
cells, intestinal enterochromaffin cells, gastric and other argyrophil cells) are likely to have, as their primary function, the synthesis and secretion of polypeptides. These may be known polypeptide hormones or principles as yet undiscovered.
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