Cholecystokinin (CCK) antibodies are immunological tools used to detect and study CCK, a peptide hormone with critical roles in digestion and neurotransmission. First identified in the 1920s for its ability to stimulate gallbladder contraction, CCK is produced in the small intestine and brain, existing in multiple bioactive forms (e.g., CCK-8. CCK-33). It regulates digestive enzyme secretion, gut motility, and satiety, while also acting as a neurotransmitter influencing anxiety, memory, and pain perception.
CCK antibodies are generated by immunizing animals with synthetic CCK peptides or conjugates, yielding polyclonal or monoclonal variants. These antibodies enable CCK localization via immunohistochemistry, quantification through ELISA or radioimmunoassays, and functional studies in metabolic or neurological research. Specificity varies depending on epitope recognition; some target the sulfated tyrosine region (critical for receptor binding), while others detect non-sulfated forms.
Research applications include exploring CCK's role in obesity, pancreatitis, and gut-brain axis disorders. Clinically, CCK antibody-based assays aid in diagnosing gastrointestinal dysfunctions or monitoring hormone levels. Emerging therapeutic strategies investigate CCK-targeting antibodies for modulating appetite or anxiety pathways. Challenges include cross-reactivity with gastrin (a structurally similar peptide) and ensuring stability of sulfated epitopes during processing. Ongoing advancements in antibody engineering aim to improve specificity and expand diagnostic/therapeutic potentials.