目前报告的消化道激素(GIH)已有40多种,有的化学结构和生理作用已经清楚,有的分子结构尚未阐明。GIH不仅存在于消化道,也有存在于神经系统内。GIH不仅是通过血液循环系统发挥其激素作用,同时还有神经化学的作用,可以作为一种旁分泌系统(paracrine)~*。总的来讲,GIH系属于化学信使系统(chemical messenger system)。这种化学信使系统有四个特点:(1)这类细胞具有发出化学信使(分泌激素)调节靶细胞的作用;(2)这类细胞能自氨基酸合成并释放相应的物质——胺类或肽类;(3)通过神经分泌、内分泌或旁分泌,将化学信使递交给靶细胞;(4)在神经分泌、内分泌或旁分泌 Currently reported more than 40 kinds of gastrointestinal hormones (GIH), some of the chemical structure and physiological role has been clear, and some molecular structure has not yet been clarified. GIH exists not only in the digestive tract, but also in the nervous system. GIH not only exerts its hormonal action through the blood circulatory system, but also has a neurochemical role as a paracrine system. In general, GIH belongs to the chemical messenger system. The chemical messenger system has four characteristics: (1) these cells have the function of sending chemical messengers (secretory hormones) to regulate target cells; (2) these cells can synthesize amino acids and release the corresponding substances - amines or Peptides; (3) delivery of chemical messengers to target cells by neuroendocrine, endocrine or paracrine processes; (4) neurotransmission, endocrine or paracrine