Cholecystokinin (CCK-8)

Also known as CCK-8, Pancreozymin

An 8-amino-acid peptide that activates CCK receptors, used in research on digestion, satiety, and central nervous system function.

Length: 8 amino acids
Half-life: Approximately 1-2 minutes in plasma
Mechanism: Binds with high affinity to cholecystokinin receptors CCK-A and CCK-B, G protein-coupled receptors involved in digestion and neurotransmission.
Studied in: Applied in laboratory studies of gastrointestinal motility, satiety signaling, and central nervous system pathways related to anxiety and memory.

About Cholecystokinin (CCK-8)

Cholecystokinin (CCK-8) is a sulfated octapeptide and a major biologically active form of the CCK hormone family. It functions both as a digestive hormone released from the small intestine and as a prominent neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems. As a hormone, it stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion and gallbladder contraction.

This peptide exerts its effects through two G protein-coupled receptor subtypes: CCK-A (for 'alimentary'), found predominantly in the periphery, and CCK-B (for 'brain'), which is widespread in the central nervous system. This dual receptor system and widespread distribution make CCK-8 a valuable tool for investigating a range of physiological processes, from digestion and satiety to anxiety and learning in laboratory models. It is also a reference compound with a clinical history.

Laboratory notes

The presence of a sulfated tyrosine residue is critical for high-affinity binding and potent activation of the CCK-A receptor.
This molecule is a reference compound with a clinical history.
In neuroscience research, direct administration into brain regions of animal models is used to study its effects on behavior and neuronal activity.

Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.

Questions about Cholecystokinin (CCK-8)

What is the difference between CCK-A and CCK-B receptors?

The CCK-A receptor is found mainly in the gastrointestinal system and has a higher affinity for sulfated CCK peptides. The CCK-B receptor (also known as the gastrin receptor) is the predominant form in the brain and shows similar affinity for both sulfated and non-sulfated CCK.

Is the sulfation of CCK-8 important?

Yes, sulfation of the tyrosine residue at position 7 (from the C-terminus) is crucial. It increases the peptide's binding affinity for the CCK-A receptor by several orders of magnitude, making it much more potent for peripheral digestive functions.

What are common research applications for CCK-8?

In physiology, it's used to study pancreatic acinar cell secretion and gallbladder contraction. In neuroscience, it is used as a tool to induce panic-like responses in animal models to study anxiety, and also to investigate its role in memory and satiety signaling.

Is Cholecystokinin (CCK-8) for human use?

No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.

Related research peptides

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