Ileal brake

The **ileal brake** is not a single molecule or receptor but rather a physiological negative feedback mechanism in the digestive system. It slows down gastrointestinal transit when undigested nutrients—especially fats—reach the distal part of the small intestine called the ileum. This process ensures optimal digestion and absorption by allowing more time for nutrient uptake. The effect is mediated primarily through gut hormones released from specialized L-cells in response to nutrients, notably **peptide YY (PYY)** and **glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)**. These hormones act to inhibit upper GI motility, reduce gastric emptying, suppress pancreatic secretions, increase satiety, decrease food intake, and help regulate blood glucose levels. While pharmacological manipulation of this pathway has been explored for obesity treatment due to its appetite-suppressing properties, "ileal brake" itself does not refer to any specific molecular entity suitable for direct drug targeting. Summary: The term “Ileal brake” refers to an integrated physiological process—not a discrete molecular target like a receptor or enzyme—and thus cannot be mapped onto structured fields intended for molecules/receptors. It should be flagged as incorrect if used in that context.

Other names

Distal ileus feedback mechanismIleal negative feedback mechanismGut traffic control (colloquial)

The "ileal brake" itself is not a drug target but is mediated by hormones such as peptide YY [PYY] and glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1], which slow gut transit and promote satiety.