Peptide YY
Peptide YY is secreted in the lower intestine (ileum and colon) after meals. It acts to slow down gastrointestinal motility and promote feelings of fullness, aiding in the regulation of food intake and ensuring a balanced digestive process.
Somatostatin
Somatostatin is an inhibitory hormone produced in various parts of the digestive tract. It functions by reducing the secretion of several other digestive hormones, slowing gastrointestinal motility, and generally dampening digestive processes to help balance the overall activity within the gut.
Motilin
Motilin is a hormone involved in regulating the migrating motor complex, especially during fasting states. It helps coordinate gastrointestinal motility by initiating waves of contractions that serve to clear the digestive tract of residual food particles and secretions between meals.
Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Peptide (GIP)
GIP is produced in the small intestine in response to the ingestion of nutrients, particularly fats and carbohydrates. It plays a dual role by enhancing insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, and by modulating aspects of digestion such as gastric acid secretion.
Glucagon-like Peptides (GLP-1 and GLP-2)
These peptides, secreted by intestinal cells, have distinct roles in digestion. GLP-1 enhances insulin secretion and promotes satiety, contributing to blood glucose regulation, while GLP-2 aids in intestinal growth and reinforces the absorptive function of the gut.
Cholecystokinin (CCK)
Cholecystokinin is released by cells in the small intestine in response to the presence of fats and proteins. It facilitates digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the gallbladder, while also helping to induce satiety.
Gastrin
Gastrin is a hormone primarily produced in the stomach that stimulates the secretion of gastric acid. By promoting acid production, gastrin enhances the breakdown of food and contributes to the digestion of proteins, as well as the maintenance and growth of the gastric mucosa.
Digestive Tract Hormones
This concept encompasses a group of hormones secreted by specialized enteroendocrine cells throughout the digestive system. These hormones coordinate various aspects of digestion—including enzyme secretion, acid regulation, motility, and nutrient absorption—ensuring that the digestive process is both efficient and well-regulated.
Secretin
Secretin is secreted by the duodenum when it encounters acidic chyme from the stomach. This hormone primarily promotes the secretion of bicarbonate from the pancreas, which neutralizes stomach acids and creates an optimal environment for digestive enzymes to function in the small intestine.