Neural regulation of pancreatic hormone secretion by the C-terminal tetrapeptide of CCK.

In pancreatic islets a peptide corresponding to the C-terminal tetrapeptide amide of cholecystokinin and gastrin, Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2, is present in nerve terminals. This tetrapeptide amide is uniquely potent as a releaser of insulin and the other islet hormones, whereas larger cholecystokinins and gastrins as well as tetrapeptide analogues are considerably less potent. We suggest that neural release of the tetrapeptide amide is implicated in regulation of pancreatic hormone secretion.