Secretin

Abstract

Since its initial discovery, secretin is now coined as a classical hormone with widespread distribution. In particular, numerous studies have demonstrated the abundant expression of secretin and its receptor within various brain areas sparking interest of its potential as a brain peptide. With gene knockout animals becoming widely available, recent physiological studies have provided a glimpse of secretin’s role in appetite control and osmoregulation, establishing its potential as a brain peptide. This chapter focuses on secretin and its receptor, reviewing our current knowledge in the structural and molecular aspects, central effects and the pathophysiological implications in cognitive behavior.