Brush cells are a unique type of cell found in various parts of the body, exhibiting diverse functions depending on their location. They are characterized by a distinctive tuft of microvilli on their surface, giving them their brush-like appearance.
Brush Cells in the Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Tracts
In the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, brush cells, also known as tuft cells, caveolated cells, multivesicular cells, and fibrillovesicular cells, are part of the epithelial lining. These cells possess a characteristic tuft of approximately 120–140 blunt, squat microvilli on their surface. [Source: Multiple research articles including NCBI PMC articles and SpringerLink]
- Function: While their precise function remains an area of ongoing research, evidence suggests involvement in chemosensation and initiating protective respiratory nerve responses when activated by bitter taste receptors. [Source: JCI article on neurogenic inflammation]
Unipolar Brush Cells in the Cerebellum
In the cerebellum, a different type of brush cell exists: the unipolar brush cell (UBC). These are excitatory glutamatergic interneurons located in the granular layer of the cerebellar cortex.
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Function: UBCs play a crucial role in cerebellar function, receiving excitatory synapses from mossy fiber terminals to form a giant excitatory synapse. They are involved in motor coordination and sensory information processing. [Source: Wikipedia, Nature, ScienceDirect, and eLife articles]
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Clinical Significance: Dysfunction of UBCs has been linked to cerebellar ataxias. [Source: Nature article on cerebellar ataxia]
Other Uses of the Term "Brush Cell"
The term "brush cell" can also appear in a broader context, for example, in relation to:
- Brush Biopsy: A procedure where a brush is used to collect cells for cancer detection, particularly in oral cancer screenings. This usage relates to the sampling technique rather than a specific cell type. [Source: UIC Today article]
In summary, the term "brush cell" encompasses several cell types with distinct characteristics and locations in the body, highlighting the importance of specifying the context when discussing these cells.
