Release and endogenous actions of the gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK) family in the chicken.

The regulation of cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin release in the chicken and their endogenous actions are summarized. Both dietary protein and amino acids stimulated CCK releases. Among dietary fat sources, medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT) was a potent stimulator of CCK release compared with long-chain triacylglycerol (LCT). However, it is difficult to explain that endogenous CCK released by those stimulators has an important role in the avian gastrointestinal physiology. Luminal acids may be an important regulator in pancreatic enzyme and fluid secretion. Gastrin (a regulator of luminal acid secretion) release was stimulated by food components, strongly by MCT, but not by LCT, and weakly by some amino acids, and was inhibited by luminal acids. Luminal acids controlled food passage from the crop. In conclusion, gastrointestinal physiology may be directly regulated by luminal acid rather than by the gastrin/CCK family in the chicken.