Clinical applications of gastrointestinal hormones

Over 80 peptides and amines secreted by more than 20 different types of neuroendocrine cells scattered throughout the gut have been identified. The physiologic function and clinical relevance of many of these hormones await elucidation. Nevertheless, the clinical use of these agents in either diagnostic or therapeutic modalities has greatly expanded the appreciation of the relevance of many of these peptides to malignant and nonmalignant pathobiology.