The gastrointestinal hormones or gut hormones include a group of hormones secreted by the enteroendocrine cells present in the stomach, pancreas and small intestine.
These hormones control various functions of the digestive organs. They are also found to serve as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the central and peripheral nervous system.
The most predominantly secreted hormones include :
Cholecystokinin – Stimulates intestinal motility and the secretion of pancreatic enzymes like insulin, glucagon and pancreatic polypeptides
Gastrin – Stimulates the release of gastric acid, pepsinogen, intrinsic factor and secretin. It also increases gastric and intestinal motility.
Secretin – Reduces gastric and intestinal motility and stimulates the pancreatic secretion of bicarbonate, enzymes and insulin.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide – Increases water and electrolyte secretion from the gut and pancreas. It is also responsible for the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the gut blood vessels and genitourinary system.
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide – Stimulates insulin release and reduces intestinal and gastric motility.
Motilin – Increases gastric emptying and small bowel motility
Admin_NHT Staff asked 5 years ago