Adenomorphic Cells

Adenomorphic cells (from Greek a- negative particle, delos- visible and morphe- form), unclear cells, a name given by Rollet to the main cells of the gastric glands due to the indistinctness of their boundaries. Adenomorphic cells directly surround the lumen of the gland, have an irregularly polyhedral shape (sometimes irregularly cylindrical) with a round nucleus located closer to the base of the cell, and are filled during life with numerous granules that strongly refract light; during rest, the granules accumulate, the cells increase in volume, and after secretion, the cells decrease and there are fewer granules; thus, the granules should be regarded as a preliminary stage in the production of secretion. In fixed preparations, adenomorphic cells usually have a reticular structure and are stained with hematoxylin, which sharply distinguishes them from covering cells that absorb eosin. Adenomorphic cells, according to general recognition, produce pepsin.