A new presentation of physiological regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic applications is given in this book. It represents a collection of the most up-to-date information in cholecystokinin (CCK) research, especially focusing on the development and characterization of CCK antagonists. The book contains chapters on the synthesis, biochemical and pharmacological characterization of potent and selective CCK antagonists as well as physiological applications of these compounds. The last section of the book is devoted to the involvement of CCK in pathological states and potential clinical applications of CCK antagonists.

I: Biology of CCK

Biochemistry of CCK
The Morphological Localization of Cholecystokinin and Its Binding-Sites in the Diffuse Neuroendocrine System
Heterogeneity of CCK Receptors: Classification and Characterization
Biological Actions of CCK in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Biological Actions of CCK in the Central Nervous System
Vagally Mediated Actions of CCK
II: Chemistry of CCK Antagonists
Pentanoic Acid Derivatives
Characterization of MK-329
Boc-Tyr(SO3H)-Nle-Gly-Trp-Nle-Asp-2-Phenylethyl Ester - JMV180: A Unique CCK Analogue with Different Actions on High- and Low-Affinity CCK Receptors
III: Physiological Application of CCK Antagonists
Cholestokinin Receptor Antagonists In Vitro
Effects of Cholecystokinin Receptor Antagonists in Animal Models
Role of Cholecystokinin in Regulating Gallbladder Contraction and Pancreatic Secretion in Man: Studies with Loxiglumide
Effect of MK-329 on Pancreatic Secretion in Man
Regulation of Gallbladder Contraction and Gastric Emptying by the CCK Receptor Antagonist MK-329
Regulation of CCK Release by Bile Acids
Pyloric Cholecystokinin Receptors
Effects of CCK Antagonists on Intestinal Motility in Dogs
The Role of CCK and CCK Antagonists in Human Esophageal and Gastroduodenal Motility
Regulation of Gastrointestinal and Colonic Transit by CCK Antagonists
The Role of CCK in Tumor Growth
IV: Clinical Potentials of CCK Antagonists
Experimental Pancreatitis
Cholecystokinin-Receptor Antagonists in Experimental Pancreatic Tumor Growth
Efficient Treatment of Biliary Colics with Loxiglumide
The Role of CCK in Chronic Constipation
The Rational Use of CCK Antagonists in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Cholecystokinin, Cholecystokinin-Receptor Antagonists and the Sphincter of Oddi.