bombesin

Pharmacologically active tetradecapeptide found in skins of European amphibians of the family Discoglossidae, principally Bombina bombina and Bombina variegata variegata. A potent stimulant of gastric and pancreatic secretions; a bombesinlike immunoreactive peptide is found in both brain and gut. Other actions include hypertensive, antidiuretic, and hyperglycemic activity. Has a strong effect on core temperature lowering in rats. High levels of intracellular b. have also been found in human small-cell lung carcinoma.

* * *

bom·be·sin 'bäm-bə-sin n a polypeptide that is found in the brain and gastrointestinal tract and has been shown experimentally to cause the secretion of various substances (as gastrin and cholecystokinin) and to inhibit intestinal motility

* * *

bom·be·sin (bomґbə-sin) a tetradecapeptide neurohormone and pressor substance with paracrine and autocrine effects; it was first isolated from the skin of frogs and is an important amphibian hormone, and it was later found in small amounts in normal human brain and intestinal tissue. Its amount is increased with certain tumors of the lung or thyroid gland. It is a potent mitogen, and its effects on gastrin and other hormones are attributed to increased cell numbers.