Secretin

How it works

First hormone ever found (1902): it makes the pancreas release bicarbonate, the gut's antacid. Injected, it tests the pancreas.

What it's made of

27 amino acids identical to human secretin, the gut hormone that tells the pancreas to release bicarbonate. It was the first hormone ever discovered (1902).

What it's for

Prescribed for

Diagnostic tests: pancreatic function, gastrinoma, and locating the papilla during an ERCP.