BN/GRP-like peptides and receptors in small cell lung cancer

BN/GRP-like peptides are produced in high concentrations in SCLC cell lines and in low concentrations in beta-lymphoblastoid cell lines. The BN/GRP-like peptides are secreted from SCLC cell line NCI-H345 by stimuli which elevate the intracellular cAMP levels. These stimuli include theophylline, PHI, secretin and VIP. Also, elevated plasma levels of BN/GRP-like peptides are found in patients with extensive SCLC. In these patients the levels of BN/GRP-like peptides can be increased further approximately 5-fold after secretin infusion. Because SCLC cells make and secrete BN/GRP-like peptides, they may function as regulatory peptides in this disease.