NCIt definition : A synthetic form of the human endogenous gastrointestinal peptide hormone secretin,
that may be used as a diagnostic aid. Secretin stimulates the pancreatic acinar cells
and ductal epithelial cells to emit bicarbonate rich digestive fluids, thereby increases
duodenal bicarbonate level. Bicarbonate neutralizes acidity of the intestines, consequently
increasing the pH. The administration of synthetic secretin may aid in the diagnosis
of exocrine pancreas dysfunction. In patients with gastrinoma, secretin stimulates
gastrin secretion. The administration of synthetic secretin may aid in the diagnosis
of gastrinoma. In addition, as secretin increases secretions from the pancreas, the
administration of synthetic secretin may aid in the identification of the ampulla
of Vater and the accessory papilla during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
(ERCP).;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A hormone released into the blood by cells in the inner layer of the small
intestine. It is released when partly digested food moves from the stomach into the
small intestine. Secretin causes the pancreas, liver, and stomach to release other
substances that help digest food. Secretin may also be made in the laboratory.;