Effect of neurotensin on gastric function in man

Neurotensin is a peptide recently discovered in the human ileum and it is released into plasma after ingestion of food. Neurotensin was infused intravenously into 12 healthy volunteers at a mean dose of 2.4 pmol/kg/min, the mean rise in plasma levels being 89 +/- 8 pmol/l. An inhibition of both gastric acid and pepsin output, and also a delay in gastric emptying of oral glucose, were observed. Neurotensin may therefore have a physiological role in modulating gastric function in man.