The Biological Relevance of N-Terminal Neurotensin Fragments in the Regulation of Exocrine Pancreas Secretion

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Stimulation of the exocrine pancreas is one of the biological effects attributed to the tridecapeptide neurotensin (NT). Only the C-terminal 8-13 fragment with its extremely short plasma half-life in the peripheral circulation was considered to be necessary for biological activity. The N-terminal fragments that are detectable in peripheral blood in much greater concentrations were considered to be of no importance. In order to elucidate the biological relevance of these N-terminal fragments, five dogs were infused with neurotensin at a rate (50 pmol/kg/h) that had been determined to give physiological plasma concentrations. Pancreatic secretions were collected from previosuly implanted modified Herrera pouches. The effects of N-terminal fragments NT 1-8 and Nt 1-11 on the exocrine pancreas secretion were tested in the same way. It was possible for the first time to demonstrate a biological effect of the N-terminal fragments found in the postprandial circulation in vivo. The plasma concentrations determined by radioimmunoassay remained within the physiological range (< 40 pg/ml). These N-terminal neurotensin fragments may therefore participate in the hormonal regulation of the exocrine pancreas secretion.
Keywords

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: