[Gastrointestinal hormones]

Recently, knowledge about the physiological and physiopathological role of some already known gastrointestinal hormones has been increased. At the same time, new biologically active substances (peptides) have been isolated from the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. Some hormones that were thought to be restricted to the digestive system have been identified in the brain and some peptides localized in the nervous terminals in the myenteric plexuses, actively participate in the biological process of the gut. These findings have made the comprehension of this field more complicated. As a consequence of this, the term of "gastrointestinal endocrinology" is emerging. In this article we will discuss some general concepts of gastrointestinal and pancreatic hormonal physio-pathology and individually, about the role of some hormones and peptides in the normal and abnormal biological process. We emphasize the importance of biochemical diagnosis of those abnormalities.