Neurohormonal control of the exocrine pancreas

This review updates our progress in understanding the neurohormonal control of the exocrine pancreatic secretion. Major advances include clarification of factors in the duodenum that are important for the release of cholecystokinin (CCK), the pathways of CCK's pancreatic enzyme secretory actions, cholinergic augmentation of the actions of secretin, and the role of central and peripheral nerves in controlling pancreatic secretion. Progress has also been made in identifying neurotransmitters and hormonal factors that modulate pancreatic secretion at central and peripheral sites, including serotonin, dopamine, pancreatic polypeptide, somatostatin, and glucagon-like peptide-1. These findings continue the revolution in understanding pancreatic control mechanisms.