What is "bombesin"

n. (context biochemistry English) A neural oligopeptide that stimulates the release of gastrin.

Bombesin is a 14- amino acid peptide originally isolated from the skin of the European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina). It has two known homologs in mammals called neuromedin B and gastrin-releasing peptide. It stimulates gastrin release from G cells. It activates three different G-protein-coupled receptors known as BBR1, -2, and -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 small cell carcinoma of lung, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and neuroblastoma.