FDA (US): Approved (2004, ChiRhoStim, synthetic human secretin) as a diagnostic agent: pancreatic exocrine function, gastrinoma, and identification of the papilla during ERCP.
EMA (EU): No centralized EMA authorization.
Single intravenous dose over 1 minute: 0.2 µg/kg for pancreatic function and ERCP; 0.4 µg/kg for gastrinoma (FDA ChiRhoStim label). Hospital use only.
Anticholinergics reduce the response (stop before the test); H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors can falsely raise gastrin (stop according to the label).
Crossover study in 12 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 18 controls: synthetic human and porcine secretin gave almost identical bicarbonate responses (R = 0.967) and made the correct diagnosis in 100% of cases.
View the study (clinical trial) →Cochrane review of 16 trials with more than 900 children: there is no evidence that intravenous secretin, in single or repeated doses, improves autism. The authors advise against its use.
View the study (meta-analysis) →Digestion and weight
The duodenum releases secretin when acid reaches it. This hormone makes the pancreas secrete a bicarbonate-rich juice. If the pancreas responds poorly, it indicates pancreatic insufficiency. In gastrinoma it causes a paradoxical rise in gastrin, which is useful for diagnosis.
In people
Information, not medical advice. Prescription or unapproved peptides should only be used under medical supervision.