Development of Intestinal Regulatory Peptides in the Human Fetus

摘要: The time of first appearance and subsequent development eight regulatory peptides in the small large intestine human fetuses has been investigated. Gastrin, secretin, motilin, gastric inhibitory peptide, vasoactive intestinal enteroglucagon, somatostatin were detected as early 8 wk age, while neurotensin was only demonstrated at 12 wk. Adult patterns distribution established by 20 age. Of examined peptide localized to nerve fibers these seen clearly myenteric plexus 12-wk fetal stage later both enteric plexuses. concentrations increased steadily until term when they close adult levels. Secretin showed a single molecular size species gel permeation chromatography but other multiple peaks, ratios tending change through gestational period favor smaller sized moieties. Thus system gut is present fetus its role process maturation requires investigation.