GASTRIN RECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
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Gastrin receptors are a type of transmembrane protein or receptor found on the surface of cells within the stomach and adjoining tissues. Specifically, they play a crucial role in mediating the effects of a hormone called gastrin. Gastrin is a peptide hormone released by cells in the stomach lining known as G cells.
These receptors are responsible for receiving and transducing the signals sent by gastrin molecules. When gastrin molecules bind to these receptors, it triggers a series of intracellular signaling events, leading to various physiological responses.
The primary function of gastrin receptors is to regulate the secretion of gastric acid and stimulate the growth and proliferation of cells in the stomach lining. Upon activation, gastrin receptors promote the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, thereby aiding in the process of digestion.
Various cell types possess gastrin receptors, including parietal cells, enterochromaffin-like cells, and chief cells. These cells are involved in the synthesis and release of gastric acid, histamine, and pepsinogens. By binding to gastrin receptors, gastrin can control the activity of these cells and influence the overall function of the stomach.
Understanding the gastrin receptors and their role in regulating gastric acid secretion is crucial for developing effective treatments for disorders such as gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), and other gastric hypersecretory conditions. Additionally, targeting gastrin receptors can be important in inhibiting the growth of certain types of gastric cancers which can overexpress these receptors.
Common Misspellings for GASTRIN RECEPTORS
- fastrin receptors
- vastrin receptors
- bastrin receptors
- hastrin receptors
- yastrin receptors
- tastrin receptors
- gzstrin receptors
- gsstrin receptors
- gwstrin receptors
- gqstrin receptors
- gaatrin receptors
- gaztrin receptors
- gaxtrin receptors
- gadtrin receptors
- gaetrin receptors
- gawtrin receptors
- gasrrin receptors
- gasfrin receptors
- gasgrin receptors
- gasyrin receptors
Etymology of GASTRIN RECEPTORS
The word "gastrin" originates from the Greek word "gaster", meaning "stomach", and the suffix "-in", which typically denotes a protein or a hormone. Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach.
The word "receptors" comes from the Latin word "receptus", meaning "received" or "to receive". In biology and medicine, receptors refer to specialized protein molecules on the surface of cells that bind to specific signaling molecules, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, and trigger a response within the cell.
Therefore, the term "gastrin receptors" refers to the specific protein molecules present on the surface of cells in the stomach that can bind to gastrin and initiate a physiological response.
