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L-cell
L-cells are enteroendocrine cells located in the intestine, in particular the colon, which secrete glucagon like peptide-1. Along with other enteroendocrine cells, L-cells originate as stem cells in the base of the crypt, and differentiate as they move up towards the villus. As old cells slough off at the top, new L-cells are formed at base, giving them a life-span of between 3-7 days. L-cells are described as 'flask-shaped', possessing a wide basolateral end, and a thin apical process. This shape gives rise to the hypothesis that L-cells reach out to make contact with the contents of the lumen of the intestine. Nutrients sensed in the intestine can then trigger hormone release from the basolateral side into the bloodstream. The main hormones released are GLP-1 and PYY, but can also include other products of proglucagon. The release of GLP-1 makes L-cells particularly interesting, as it is the basis of a class of diabetes medications. More recently it has been suggested that there may be crossover between L-cells and other types of enteroendocrine cell.