An endogenous peptide stimulates secretory activity in the elasmobranch rectal gland.

Extraction and partial purification of peptide material from the intestine of the elasmobranch Scyliorhinus canicula yielded a fraction that shows potent stimulatory activity in the rectal gland. The extracted material appears to contain an endogenous peptide (or peptides) that represents the natural hormone responsible for the control of rectal gland secretion in vivo.