Secretin
Overview
A 27-amino acid peptide hormone produced by S-cells of the duodenal and jejunal mucosa in response to acidic chyme entering the small intestine. Secretin stimulates pancreatic ductal cells to secrete bicarbonate-rich fluid, neutralizing duodenal acid, and promotes bile flow from hepatocytes.
Mechanism of Action
It was the first hormone ever identified (Bayliss and Starling, 1902) and serves as a key diagnostic tool in gastroenterology and endocrinology.
Research Summary & Key Findings
FDA-approved as a diagnostic agent for pancreatic exocrine function (secretin stimulation test), gastrinoma/Zollinger-Ellison syndrome diagnosis (paradoxical gastrin rise), and to facilitate MRCP imaging of pancreatic ducts. Synthetic human secretin (ChiRhoStim/SecreFlo) replaced porcine-derived products. Investigated but not proven effective as a treatment for autism spectrum disorder despite initial case reports.
Clinical Status
Secretin has received FDA approval and is available for clinical use under appropriate medical supervision. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for prescribing information.
Administration Routes
References
Primary literature
- PubMed — "Secretin"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov — "Secretin"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem — "Secretin"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
Study-level citations for this compound are being verified against the primary sources before publication. The database queries above return the current indexed literature in the meantime.
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