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Updated: Oct 4, 2026

Mechanisms Underlying Gut Hormone Secretion Using the Isolated Perfused Rat Small Intestine
Published on: February 26, 2019
Role of leptin in the stomach and the pancreas
P C Konturek1, S J Konturek, T Brzozowski
1Department of Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
Abstract:
Leptin, a 16 kDa protein encoded by the ob gene, is known mainly for its role in the regulation of food intake, body composition and energy expenditure through a central feedback mechanism. Initially leptin was considered as an ob gene product of adipocytes but recently the presence of leptin and its receptors have been revealed in other organs including gastric mucosa and the pancreas and found to be released from these organs by cholecystokinin (CCK), gastrin and ordinary feeding. Furthermore, leptin was found to mimic the action of CCK on gastric and pancreatic integrity, while reducing the food intake and to affect gastric and pancreatic secretion. This report emphasizes the role of leptin originating from the gastrointestinal tract acting synergistically with CCK at the hypothalamus level on the mechanism of food intake and locally on the protection of gastric mucosa and the pancreas against noxious agents and to maintain tissue integrity.
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