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Diagnostic · FDA Approved

Pentagastrin

FDA-approved

How to ask your doctor
Written by Peptide Association Editorial TeamLast reviewed Editorial policy

01 · Overview

A synthetic pentapeptide containing the C-terminal tetrapeptide sequence of gastrin (Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) linked to beta-alanine. Pentagastrin stimulates gastric acid secretion by binding to cholecystokinin-2 (CCK2) receptors on parietal cells, and stimulates calcitonin release from thyroid C-cells.

It was FDA-approved in 1974 as Peptavlon, a product now listed as discontinued, and was used diagnostically for gastric acid secretory testing and provocative calcitonin testing for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

02 · Research summary & key findings

Pentagastrin infusion has been used to maximally stimulate gastric acid secretion in studies of acid output (PMID 16416224). The pentagastrin-stimulated calcitonin test was the traditional test for identifying affected members of MEN 2A and familial MTC families, but false positives in RET mutation-negative relatives supported routine RET genetic testing (PMID 8849577). The test is more sensitive than basal calcitonin measurement but is unavailable in many countries (PMID 22913268). Calcium-stimulated calcitonin testing has been proposed as a replacement with similar diagnostic power (PMID 30429678).

03 · Regulatory status

Pentagastrin has received FDA approval and is available for clinical use under appropriate medical supervision. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for prescribing information.

Pentagastrin is an FDA-approved medicine prescribed for the conditions on its label. It is not part of our intake, so we do not propose protocols for it. If you think it may be relevant to you, talk to your own doctor. How to ask your doctor.

04 · Administration routes

  • Subcutaneous injection
  • Intramuscular injection

References

  1. [1]Inhibition of pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion by pantoprazole and omeprazole in healthy adults Dig Dis Sci, 2006. PMID 16416224
  2. [2]Is basal ultrasensitive measurement of calcitonin capable of substituting for the pentagastrin-stimulation test? Clin Endocrinol (Oxf), 2013. PMID 22913268
  3. [3]Calcium-stimulated calcitonin - The "new standard" in the diagnosis of thyroid C-cell disease - clinically relevant gender-specific cut-off levels for an "old test" Biochem Med (Zagreb), 2018. PMID 30429678
  4. [4]The identification of false positive responses to the pentagastrin stimulation test in RET mutation negative members of MEN 2A families Clin Endocrinol (Oxf), 1996. PMID 8849577

Primary literature

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.