Secretin is produced by the S cells of the duodenum and small intestine. Its secretion takes place under the influence of hydrogen ions present in the intestinal contents. Secretin stimulates the secretion of bicarbonate ions by the pancreas, as well as the secretion of bile and intestinal juice. However, it inhibits the peristalsis of the stomach and intestines.
What is secretin?
Secretin is a gastrointestinal hormone. It is secreted by the cells of the small intestine and S of the duodenum (similarly, gastrin is produced by G cells), under the influence of hydrogen ions located in the intestinal contents. The hormone produced in the duodenum is called prosecretin, which is an inactive form of the hormone. Prosecretin is converted into secretin only when the substance is acidified with hydrochloric acid from the stomach. Secretin consists of 27 amino acid residues.
Secretin functions
– secretin stimulates the pancreas to produce pancreatic juice;
– this hormone inhibits the peristalsis of the stomach and intestines (prevents the excessive production of gastric juice);
– stimulates the production of bile and intestinal juice.
When do we do the secretin test?
The secretin test is mainly used in the diagnosis of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also used in the diagnosis of other pancreatic diseases.
Material for the study of secretin: serum.
Preparation for the test: on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours).
The course of the secretin test: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm.
Time to wait for the result: 1 Day.
Standard: less than 80 ng / l.
Comments: Secretin is one of the few hormones that condition the proper function of the gastrointestinal tract. In the diagnosis of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the determination of gastrin levels after secretin administration is used.
Fun fact. In the 90s, there were some reports that the secretin was supposed to help fight autism. However, a number of studies have shown that this hormone has no effect on this condition.