Pentagastrin: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:49, 15 February 2025

Pentagastrin[edit]

Pentagastrin is a synthetic peptide that mimics the action of the naturally occurring hormone gastrin. It is primarily used in diagnostic tests to assess gastric acid secretion and to evaluate the function of the stomach and pancreas.

Structure and Composition[edit]

Pentagastrin is composed of five amino acids, making it a pentapeptide. Its sequence is _-Ala-His-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2. The structure of pentagastrin allows it to bind to the cholecystokinin B receptor (CCK-B receptor), which is also the receptor for gastrin.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Pentagastrin acts by stimulating the parietal cells in the stomach lining to secrete hydrochloric acid. This is similar to the action of gastrin, which is a hormone that regulates gastric acid secretion. By binding to the CCK-B receptor, pentagastrin triggers a cascade of intracellular events that lead to increased acid production.

Clinical Uses[edit]

Pentagastrin is used in various diagnostic tests, including:

Gastric Acid Secretion Test: To measure the amount of acid produced by the stomach, helping diagnose conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Calcitonin Stimulation Test: Used in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma, as pentagastrin can stimulate the release of calcitonin from the thyroid gland.

Administration[edit]

Pentagastrin is typically administered via intravenous injection. The dosage and administration depend on the specific diagnostic test being conducted.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of pentagastrin administration include:

Abdominal discomfort
Nausea
Flushing
Dizziness

These side effects are generally mild and transient.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Pentagastrin''' is a synthetic [[peptide]] that has similar physiological effects to [[gastrin]], a hormone produced in the stomach. It is primarily used in diagnostic procedures to evaluate gastric function and to stimulate gastric acid secretion for testing purposes.
+== Pentagastrin ==
-== History ==
+[[File:Pentagastrin.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of pentagastrin]]
-Pentagastrin was first synthesized in the 1960s as a means to study the effects of gastrin on the stomach. It was found to have similar effects to natural gastrin, including the stimulation of gastric acid secretion and the growth of gastric mucosa.
-== Structure and Function ==
+'''Pentagastrin''' is a synthetic peptide that mimics the action of the naturally occurring hormone [[gastrin]]. It is primarily used in diagnostic tests to assess gastric acid secretion and to evaluate the function of the [[stomach]] and [[pancreas]].
-Pentagastrin is a tetrapeptide, meaning it is composed of four [[amino acids]]. These amino acids are arranged in a specific sequence: Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2. This sequence is similar to the C-terminal (or end) sequence of gastrin, which is believed to be the active site of the hormone.
-When administered, pentagastrin binds to the [[gastrin/CCK receptors]] on the cells of the stomach, triggering them to release gastric acid. This is the same mechanism by which natural gastrin works.
+== Structure and Composition ==
-== Medical Uses ==
+Pentagastrin is composed of five amino acids, making it a [[pentapeptide]]. Its sequence is _-Ala-His-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2. The structure of pentagastrin allows it to bind to the [[cholecystokinin B receptor]] (CCK-B receptor), which is also the receptor for gastrin.
-Pentagastrin is used in a variety of diagnostic tests, including the [[Pentagastrin Stimulation Test]]. This test is used to assess the ability of the stomach to secrete acid. It can be used to diagnose conditions such as [[Zollinger-Ellison syndrome]], a condition characterized by excessive gastric acid secretion.
-In addition, pentagastrin can be used to stimulate the secretion of [[pancreatic enzymes]] and [[gallbladder]] contraction, providing a means to assess the function of these organs.
+== Mechanism of Action ==
+Pentagastrin acts by stimulating the [[parietal cells]] in the stomach lining to secrete [[hydrochloric acid]]. This is similar to the action of gastrin, which is a hormone that regulates gastric acid secretion. By binding to the CCK-B receptor, pentagastrin triggers a cascade of intracellular events that lead to increased acid production.
+== Clinical Uses ==
+Pentagastrin is used in various diagnostic tests, including:
+* '''Gastric Acid Secretion Test''': To measure the amount of acid produced by the stomach, helping diagnose conditions like [[Zollinger-Ellison syndrome]].
+* '''Calcitonin Stimulation Test''': Used in the diagnosis of [[medullary thyroid carcinoma]], as pentagastrin can stimulate the release of [[calcitonin]] from the thyroid gland.
+== Administration ==
+Pentagastrin is typically administered via [[intravenous injection]]. The dosage and administration depend on the specific diagnostic test being conducted.
 == Side Effects ==
-Like all medications, pentagastrin can cause side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and flushing. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions can occur.
-== See Also ==
+Common side effects of pentagastrin administration include:
+* Abdominal discomfort
+* Nausea
+* Flushing
+* Dizziness
+These side effects are generally mild and transient.
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Gastrin]]
+* [[Cholecystokinin]]
 * [[Zollinger-Ellison syndrome]]
-* [[Pentagastrin Stimulation Test]]
+* [[Medullary thyroid carcinoma]]
-== References ==
-<references />
 [[Category:Peptides]]
-[[Category:Diagnostic testing]]
+[[Category:Diagnostic endocrinology]]
-[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}