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).