Clinical implications of the gastrointestinal hormones.

The importance of the gastrointestinal hormones to the clinician is considered under three headings: in disease states, diagnostic applications and therapeutic implications. Pearse's APUD (Amine Precursor Uptake and Decarboxylation) theory is referred to, and single and multiple endocrinopathies are discussed with particular referrence to diagnostic criteria and principles of management. The field of gastrointestinal endocrinology is rapidly developing and these peptides will assume an even greater importance to the clinician who must keep abreast with these developments.