Actions and possible hormonal functions of circulating neurotensin

Summary. Neurotensin is one of the new peptides of the CNS and of the gut. In the periphery neurotensin is found in endocrine cells scattered diffusely in the gut mucosa and also in sympathetic nerves. This distribution indicates that the peptide may function as a hormone of the paracrine or endocrine type and as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. The purpose of this review is to present studies related to the distribution of neurotensin in peripheral organs, its pharmacological actions and possible physiological function as an endocrine hormone. Wc will also shortly discuss some of the pathophysiological implications based on available experimental data.