Hormone · Synthetic peptide
Sincalide
Also known as CCK-8
Sincalide, or CCK-8, is a synthetic C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin that acts as a potent agonist of CCK-A receptors for research.
- Length
- 8 amino acids
- Half-life
- Approximately 2-3 minutes in human plasma.
- Mechanism
- Sincalide is a synthetic agonist of cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors, showing high affinity for the CCK-A receptor subtype.
- Studied in
- In laboratory research, it is used to study gallbladder contraction, pancreatic enzyme secretion, and satiety signaling mediated by CCK-A receptors.
About Sincalide
Sincalide is the synthetic C-terminal octapeptide (8-amino acid) fragment of cholecystokinin (CCK). This fragment, also known as CCK-8, contains the full biological activity of the parent hormone. It is a well-characterized peptide and serves as a reference compound with a clinical history for studying the physiological effects of CCK.
Its primary action is the potent stimulation of cholecystokinin type A (CCK-A) receptors, which are densely expressed on gallbladder smooth muscle and pancreatic acinar cells. In ex vivo and in vivo models, application of Sincalide induces gallbladder contraction and stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes like amylase and lipase. These reliable effects make it a standard tool for investigating the physiology of the biliary and pancreatic systems.
Laboratory notes
- Sincalide is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder and should be reconstituted with sterile water or saline immediately before use.
- The peptide is rapidly cleared from circulation, with a half-life of only a few minutes, necessitating careful timing in experimental protocols.
- For stability, protect from light and store reconstituted solutions under refrigeration, using them within 24 hours.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Sincalide
What is Sincalide's relationship to cholecystokinin (CCK)?
Sincalide is a synthetic version of the C-terminal 8-amino acid fragment of CCK, known as CCK-8, which retains the full biological activity of the natural hormone.
Which receptor does Sincalide primarily target?
It is a potent agonist for the cholecystokinin A (CCK-A) receptor, which mediates effects like gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme release.
What is a typical ex vivo application of Sincalide?
It is commonly used in organ bath experiments with isolated gallbladder or intestinal smooth muscle strips to study contractility and receptor pharmacology.
Is Sincalide 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.