Perspectives of CCK antagonists in pancreatic research and clinical use. Part I.

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is one of the most important regulators of pancreatic and digestive physiology. Its importance led to research and discovery of a number of CCK receptor antagonists. Some of them are experimentally and clinically used today in order to assess the relative contribution of CCK to different aspects of pancreatic physiology. Furthermore, clinical trials are running with the aim of determining their possible therapeutic indications in pancreatic diseases, such as acute and chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic carcinoma. The rationale and evidence for their use are discussed.