ceruletide

Ceruletide is a decapeptide originally isolated from the skin of the Australian green tree frog (Ranoidea caerulea). It is structurally and functionally similar to the gastrointestinal hormone cholecystokinin. Ceruletide acts as an agonist at cholecystokinin receptor (primarily CCK1 and CCK2), stimulating gastric acid secretion, biliary and pancreatic secretions, and smooth muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract. Clinically, it has been used as a diagnostic agent for evaluating pancreatic exocrine function and gallbladder motility (e.g., in x-ray examination of the gallbladder or small bowel) and therapeutically for conditions such as paralytic ileus. Ceruletide has also been investigated for its analgesic properties in cancer pain and other pain syndromes. In research settings, it is commonly used to induce experimental pancreatitis in animal models[1][2][5][6].

Other names

ceruleincaeruleinceruletidaceruletidum