Search

A study was conducted on the influence of dietary lectins on rat cholecystokinin release. Results show that plasma cholecystokinin concentrations increased in response to soybean lectin and peanut lectin while broad bean lectin had not effect on either vehicle and cholecystokinin levels. Results demonstrate the cholecystokinin-mediated effects of lectin ingestion on the development and functions of the gastrointestinal system.

Soybean lectin stimulates the production of cholecystokinin which in turn induces pancreatic cells to secrete protein. Administration of 84 micrograms of lectin caused pancreatic cells to secrete protein, and effect that was accompanied by high levels of plasma cholecystokinin. This effect could be observed whether or not the bile pancreatic juice was returned to the duodenum. Cholecystokinin-receptor blockers prevented protein secretion.