pentagastrin

Pentagastrin is a synthetic polypeptide that mimics the actions of endogenous gastrin. It stimulates the secretion of gastric acid, pepsin, and intrinsic factor by acting as an agonist at the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-B), which is expressed in both the stomach and brain. Its primary clinical use is as a diagnostic aid for evaluating gastric acid secretory function, including testing for anacidity (achlorhydria) in patients with suspected pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis, or gastric carcinoma. It is also used to assess reduction in acid output after surgical procedures such as vagotomy or gastric resection and can be used in stimulation tests for certain hormone-secreting tumors like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome[1][2][5]. When administered parenterally, it may provoke panic attacks due to its central nervous system effects[1]. The drug has a short elimination half-life of about 10 minutes[1][7].

Brand names

Peptavlon

Other names

PentagastrinaPentagastrine