Jens F Rehfeld - Böcker

Cholecystokinin: From Gallbladder to Cognition and Beyond covers the biology, physiology, and pathophysiological roles of cholecystokinin (CCK) peptides. The book begins with a historical overview before providing in-depth chapters on the biology of CCK, from biogenesis to cell expression, including intestinal and extraintestinal endocrine cells, the central and peripheral nervous system, and receptor function. CCK phylogenesis is explored across various species, including fish, birds, insects and amphibians. The physiology of CCK covers intestinal CCK secretion, the gallbladder and pancreas, and the role of CCK in the gut-brain axis, gastrointestinal motor function, appetite regulation, and cardiovascular function.Methods used for CCK research are also discussed. A number of chapters then covers the roles of CCK in various diseases, including metabolic diseases, tumors, psychiatric illness, the immune system and nociception, as well as potential therapeutic approaches targeting CCK receptors.Provides detailed overviews of the biology, including phylogenesis, biogenesis and distribution of expression, of cholecystokinin peptides and receptorsExplores the physiology of CCK, its metabolic functions, and role in a range of medical conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, tumors, nociception, and cerebral diseaseConsiders the latest developments in CCK-based therapeutic approaches and future directions for CCK research

The concept of hormonal regulation using intercellular peptide messengers dates back to the discovery of secretin in 1902. The concept was simple: A peptide is released from specific hormone producing cells, endocrine cells, into circulation upon stimulation of the cells. The peptide hormone travels via blood to its target, the cells of which are equipped with specific receptors for high-affinity binding of the particular peptide hormone. Receptor binding subsequently elicits action of the target cells. This concept has been seriously challenged by modern biochemistry and cell biology. Thus, it is now well established that the gene of a specific peptide hormone may be expressed in different types of endocrine cells, in neurons, and in some instances also in adipocytes, myocytes, osteoblasts, and immune cells. Today, only a few hormones – including the old master hormone insulin – represent the original endocrine paradigm. Instead, the widespread cellular synthesis now raises the qu- tion of how the body maintains the regulation of its functions by peptide hormones when a hormone may originate from a variety of cells.