Hormone · Synthetic peptide
Pentagastrin
A synthetic 5-amino acid peptide, Pentagastrin is a potent agonist of the CCK-B/gastrin receptor used to study gastric acid secretion in lab models.
- Length
- 5 amino acids
- Half-life
- Very short, typically 1-2 minutes in plasma.
- Mechanism
- Pentagastrin is a synthetic agonist of the cholecystokinin B (CCK-B) receptor, also known as the gastrin receptor.
- Studied in
- This peptide is used in laboratory and animal models as a reference compound to stimulate gastric acid secretion and study the function of CCK-B receptors.
About Pentagastrin
Pentagastrin is a synthetic peptide that incorporates the C-terminal tetrapeptide amide sequence of gastrin, which is the minimal fragment required for its biological activity, plus an N-terminal beta-alanine. This small, 5-amino acid structure makes it a stable and potent tool for investigating gastrin-mediated physiological processes. It is a reference compound with a clinical history.
The primary mechanism of Pentagastrin is the potent and selective activation of the cholecystokinin B (CCK-B) receptor, which is identical to the gastrin receptor. In experimental settings, its application to isolated gastric mucosa preparations or cultured parietal cells reliably induces acid secretion. This makes it a standard secretagogue used in physiological research to probe the mechanisms of gastric function and the regulation of parietal cell activity.
Laboratory notes
- Pentagastrin is typically supplied as a salt (e.g., acetate) and is readily soluble in water or saline.
- Due to its very short in vivo half-life, continuous infusion is often required in animal models to maintain a steady-state effect.
- Its activity is highly specific to the CCK-B/gastrin receptor, showing negligible affinity for the CCK-A receptor.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Pentagastrin
What is the molecular structure of Pentagastrin?
It is a synthetic pentapeptide corresponding to the active C-terminal portion of the natural hormone gastrin, with a protective N-terminal beta-alanine.
Which receptor does Pentagastrin target?
Pentagastrin is a selective agonist for the cholecystokinin B (CCK-B) receptor, which is also known as the gastrin receptor.
What is a common use for Pentagastrin in a laboratory setting?
It is frequently used as a pharmacological tool to stimulate gastric acid secretion in ex vivo tissue preparations and in vivo animal models to study gastric physiology.
Is Pentagastrin for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.