Release of which of the following peptides leads to an increase in the secretion of pancreatic enzymes into the small intestine?
**Core Concept**
The release of peptides that stimulate pancreatic enzyme secretion is a key mechanism for digestion in the small intestine. This process involves the release of hormones from the duodenum, which then act on the pancreas to increase enzyme production and secretion.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Secretin is a hormone released from the S cells of the duodenum in response to acidic chyme from the stomach. It then acts on the pancreas to increase the secretion of bicarbonate-rich fluid, which helps to neutralize the acidic chyme. Additionally, secretin stimulates the release of cholecystokinin (CCK), which in turn increases the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, including amylase, lipase, and trypsin. This coordinated response ensures that the small intestine is prepared to digest a wide range of nutrients.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Gastrin is a hormone released from G cells in the stomach, primarily involved in stimulating gastric acid secretion, not pancreatic enzyme secretion.
**Option B:** Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a hormone released from the intestinal mucosa, primarily involved in relaxing smooth muscle and increasing intestinal secretion, not pancreatic enzyme secretion.
**Option C:** Somatostatin is a hormone released from the intestinal mucosa, primarily involved in inhibiting the release of other hormones, including secretin and CCK, not stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that the release of secretin from the duodenum is a key trigger for the pancreas to increase enzyme production and secretion, and this process is essential for proper digestion in the small intestine.
**Correct Answer:** C. Secretin.