Secretin: A Pleiotrophic Hormone

Abstract

Secretin holds a unique place in the history of endocrinology and gastrointestinal physiology, as it is the first peptide designated as a hormone. During the last century since its first discovery, the hormonal effects of secretin in the gastrointestinal tract were extensively studied, and its principal role in the periphery was found to stimulate exocrine secretion from the pancreas. Recently, a functional role of secretin in the brain has also been substantiated, with evidence suggesting a possible role of secretin in embryonic brain development. Given that secretin and its receptors are widely expressed in multiple tissues, this peptide should therefore exhibit pleiotrophic functions throughout the body. The present article reviews the current knowledge on the central and peripheral effects of secretin as well as its therapeutic uses.

Insignificant effect of secretin in rodent models of polycystic kidney and liver disease

“…Secretin and its receptor are also expressed in extra-gastrointestinal organs including the kidney, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and lung (7,11,25). In the kidney, the function of secretin and the location of the SCTR resemble those of vasopressin and the V2 receptor.…”

“…Secretin, a 27-amino acid peptide (molecular weight: 3055.5), is released by the duodenum in response to gastric acid and digested products of fat and protein (7,11,25). Plasma concentrations of secretin in humans, rats, and dogs are in the picomolar or low nanomolar range both at baseline and following maximal stimulation after a meal (8,16,23).…”

Pathophysiology of Short Bowel Syndrome

“…Bicarbonate raises the pH of the chyme and permits optimal function of digestive enzymes. 53 Other peptides function to regulate nutrient absorption and intestinal motility. In the distal intestine, stimulation by luminal nutrients induces local release of mediators including PYY, GLP-1, and GLP-2, among others.…”

Neuroprotective effect of secretin in chronic hypoxia induced neurodegeneration in rats

“…Secretin depressed the effects of single doses of morphine in mice and increased the delay before the animals jumped to avoid an aversive stimulus. 5 The role secretin in brain metabolism during hypoxia was reported byyungetal. Till a decade ago secretin was known for its gastro intestinal fuctions.…”