Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Bombesin
Introduction
Bombesin is a 14 amino acid peptide originally isolated from the skin of a frog. It has two known homologues in mammals called neuromedin B and gastrin releasing peptide. It works on the gastrointestinal tract neuroendocrine hormone and it stimulates gastrin release from G cells. It activates three different G-protein coupled receptors known as BBR1 2 & 3. It also activates these receptors in the brain. Together with cholecystokinin it is the second major source of negative feedback signals that stop eating behaviour.
Bombesin is also a tumor marker for gastric cancer and neuroblastoma.