Secretin

Secretin is a hormone that regulates water homeostasis throughout the body and influences the environment of the duodenum by regulating secretions in the stomach, pancreas, and liver. It is a peptide hormone produced in the S cells of the duodenum, which are located in the crypts of Lieberkühn.

Function

Secretin's primary function is to regulate the pH of the duodenal contents via the control of gastric acid secretion and buffering with bicarbonate. It promotes normal growth and maintenance of the pancreas and also influences the hepatic bile production.

Structure

Secretin is a peptide hormone constructed from a sequence of 27 amino acids.

Clinical significance

Secretin can be used in a test to measure the ability of the pancreas to respond to stimulation by secretin. It is also used in the treatment of autism, although its use is controversial.

History

Secretin was the first hormone to be identified. It was discovered in 1902 by William Bayliss and Ernest Starling.

See also

• Cholecystokinin
• Gastric inhibitory polypeptide
• Vasoactive intestinal peptide