GASTROINTESTINAL HORMONES

Abstract

In recent years refinements of experimental and bioassay procedures, of peptide chemistry, of cytological and cytochemical techniques and the introduction of radioimmunoassay have made possible the purification and characterization of the hormones, the determination of their often very subtle actions and the identification of their cells of origin. These advances, and parallel advances in related fields of endocrinology, have greatly extended the perspectives of gastrointestinal endocrinology, and have brought to light evolutionary issues, notably at the molecular level, which have permitted the integration of alimentary studies with the broader issues of endocrinology. Data from experimental, molecular and cytochemical fields is reviewed. The mode of action and regulation of gastrin cholecystokinin, secretin and glucagon is discussed. Functional interactions are emphasized.