Gastrointestinal hormone

Enteroendocrine cells do not form glands but are spread throughout the digestive tract. They exert their autocrine and paracrine actions that integrate gastrointestinal function.

Types

The gastrointestinal hormones can be divided into three main groups based upon their chemical structure.

• Gastrin–cholecystokinin family: gastrin and cholecystokinin
• Secretin family: secretin, glucagon, vasoactive intestinal peptide and gastric inhibitory peptide
• Somatostatin family
• Motilin family
• Substance P.

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone released from the stomach and liver and is often referred to as the "hunger hormone" since high levels of it are found in individuals that are fasting. Ghrelin agonistic treatments can be used to treat illnesses such as anorexia and loss of appetites in cancer patients. Ghrelin treatments for obesity are still under intense scrutiny and no conclusive evidence has been reached. This hormone stimulates growth hormone release. Amylin controls glucose homeostasis and gastric motility

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide possesses an acute influence on food intake through its effects on adipocytes

Oxyntomodulin plays a role in controlling acid secretion and satiation