The CCK hormone plays a major role in the body by encouraging the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile so that the process of digestion can be facilitated. When partly digested food is present in the duodenum, the release of CCK hormone is stimulated. Once CCK levels are elevated in the blood, it in turn stimulates the release of pancreatic juice from the pancreas, and bile from the gall bladder. The pancreatic juices from the pancreas and the bile (stored in the gall bladder) are released into the duodenum. The CCK hormone stimulates the gall bladder to contract.
Once these enzymes and substances are released from the pancreas and the gall bladder, they enter the duodenum. They break down the food macromolecules into simpler substances so that it can be digested by the body. Following the process of digestion, the CCK hormone release is stopped (Bowen, 2001). Recent studies have demonstrated that CCK hormone plays an important role in the development of hunger in animals. It would control consumption of food by the body. The role played by the CCK hormone is described to be as minor only.
Since CCK is a neuro-endocrine hormone; it is even released by several neurons present in the small intestines. It also tends to control the production and release of several other hormones and neuropeptides (Bowen, 2001). In human beings, it is very rare to find a condition that develops due to CCK deficiency. However, one of the conditions that may develop is an autoimmune disorder (that ultimately results in pancreatic insufficiency). In this condition, due to an autoimmune response, production of CCK hormone is not enabled.
This causes an inability to digest and absorb the food (malabsorption syndrome). Within the brain, strong evidence is currently not available to demonstrate that a deficiency of CCK production could result in a disorder. However, initial studies have demonstrated that CCK deficiency in the brain may have a role to play in the development of schizophrenia and anxiety disorders (Bowen, 2001). Somatostatin was initially thought to have been produced and released by the hypothalamus only, but recent studies have shown that is also produced by the D-cells of the pancreatic islets.
This hormone was initially discovered from extracts of the hypothalamus. Besides, some D-cells are also present in the gastro-intestinal mucosa. It is considered to be a hypothalamic-growth hormone release-inhibiting factor. There are two types of somatostatin present, namely S-14 (which has 14 amino acids) and S-28 (which has 28 amino acids). This is formed following the translation process. The prosomatostatin undergoes proteolytic cleavage to form the different types of somatostatin.