Abstract
The gastric antral hormone, gastrin, has a wide spectrum of activities on the gastrointestinal tract. Resides its stimulatory role on the secretion of gastric acid, gastrin also influences intestinal tone and motility. This action on motility is thought to be mediated by the release of acetylcholine as gastrin and related polypeptides have been shown to release acetylcholine from the Auerbach's plexus of guinea pig ileum. | Conflicting reports exist as to the mechanism of action of gastrin in producing the acetylcholine-releasing effect. A possible direct action of gastrin on intestinal smooth muscle cells has also been reported. | The purpose of this study was to determine the site and mechanism by which gastrin acts to release acetylcholine.