Effects of cholecystokinine on the gallbladder motility: interaction with somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal peptide.

Recent years have seen an increase in the information concerning the mechanisms of action of brain-gut neuropeptides (cholecystokinin (CCK), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SS)) on the biliary tract motility. This article is intended to extend our knowledge of the problem and based on our recent studies. Researchers and students interested in an historical overview of the subject, as well as in the information on the physiology and pharmacology of biliary smooth muscle are referred to earlier reviews (Ryan, 1981, 1987). The article focuses on the involvement of cholinergic mechanisms in the action of CCK, SOM and VIP on the gallbladder motility under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Some species differences in the responses of the gallbladder to CCK, VIP and ACh have also been described. Furthermore, new data about the interactions between CCK, SOM and VIP in the regulation of the gallbladder motility are presented.