bombesin

Pronunciation: bomb′ĕ-sin

Definition: Pharmacologically active tetradecapeptide found in skins of European amphibians of the family Discoglossidae, principally Bombina bombina and B. variegata variegata. A potent stimulant of gastric and pancreatic secretions; a bombesinlike immunoreactive peptide is found in both brain and gut. Other actions include hypertensive, antidiuretic, and hyperglycemic activity. Has a strong effect on core temperature lowering in rats. High levels of intracellular bombesin have also been found in human small-cell lung carcinoma.

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