Age-related decrease in plasma levels of gastrin, cholecystokinin and somatostatin.

Newborn babies have higher concentrations of gastrointestinal hormones than adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between age and plasma levels of the three peptides gastrin, cholecystokinin and somatostatin in healthy children aged 1-15 years. Gastrin, cholecystokinin and somatostatin concentrations were twice as high at 1-2 years of age compared with children older than 10 years. Significant negative correlations between age and hormone concentrations were established. It is suggested that these age-dependent differences are related to the growth rate and relative energy consumption during the early years of life.