[D-cells of the gastroenteropancreatic system: development, structure, function and regeneration (history and current state of the problem)].

The present review summarizes the literature data and the results of authors' own research on the development, structure, function and regeneration of D-endocrinocytes of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) system. The history of the research of these cells is reviewed and its current state of the problem is discussed. The information on the difference of somatostatin-producing D-endocrinocytes from other types of endocrine cells of GAP system is presented, namely, the prevalence of these cells in all the organs of the digestive system (stomach, small and large intestine, pancreas) and other systems of the body, the peculiarities of their structure and regeneration in various species of vertebrate animals and humans in embryonic development, under conditions of normal functioning and in various types of pathology. On the basis of the data on the early differentiation of D-endocrinocytes and their secretion of hormones during embryonic development, structure, cytophysiology and relationships within the general endocrinocyte population, it is suggested that D-endocrinocytes play an important role in the morpho-functional state of GEP system.