Cholecystokinin antagonist

A cholecystokinin antagonist is a specific type of receptor antagonist which blocks the receptor sites for the peptide hormone cholecystokinin (CCK).

There are two subtypes of this receptor known at present, defined as CCK_A and CCK_B (also called CCK-1 and CCK-2). CCK_A is mainly expressed in the small intestine, and is involved in the regulation of enzyme secretion by the pancreas, secretion of gastric acid in the stomach, intestinal motility and signalling of satiety (fullness). CCK_B is expressed mainly in the central nervous system, and has functions relating to anxiety and the perception of pain. Antagonists for the CCK receptors can thus have multiple functions in both the gut and brain.