[Effect of C-terminal tetrapeptide cholecystokinin (CCK-4) on the function of the islands of Langerhans and the adenohypophysis].

A study was made of the action of C-terminal tetrapeptide cholecystokinin (CCK-4) on the secretory function of A-, B- and D-cells of the islets of Langerhans and on the lactotropic function of the hypophysis. Intravenous injection into rats of CCK-4 in doses of 5 and 50 micrograms/kg bw resulted within 2 min in increased blood immunoreactive insulin. Tetrapeptide also exerted a stimulant dose-dependent action on the function of insulin-, glucagon- and somatostatin-secreting pancreatic cells of the pancreatic islets in culture at concentrations ranging within 10(-9)-10(-6)M. When given in the same doses CCK-4 did not affect basal or dopamine-inhibited prolactin secretion by cultured adenohypophyseal cells. It is concluded that CCK-4 stimulates insulin, glucagon and somatostatin secretion by direct contact with target cells.