Which hormone stimulates bicarbonate release from the pancreas?

Which hormone stimulates bicarbonate release from the pancreas?

• A. Gastrin
• B. Secretin
• C. CCK
• D. Motilin

Answer: (B)

Secretin is the hormone that stimulates bicarbonate release from the pancreas. When acidic chyme enters the duodenum, S cells release secretin. This hormone travels to the pancreas and acts on the duct cells to boost secretion of bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice, which neutralizes the acid and creates the right pH for digestive enzymes to work. Gastrin mainly enhances stomach acid production, not pancreatic bicarbonate. CCK prompts enzyme-rich pancreatic secretions and gallbladder contraction, but not bicarbonate release. Motilin regulates gut motility. So secretin is the best-fit hormone for driving bicarbonate release.

Secretin is the hormone that stimulates bicarbonate release from the pancreas. When acidic chyme enters the duodenum, S cells release secretin. This hormone travels to the pancreas and acts on the duct cells to boost secretion of bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice, which neutralizes the acid and creates the right pH for digestive enzymes to work.

Gastrin mainly enhances stomach acid production, not pancreatic bicarbonate. CCK prompts enzyme-rich pancreatic secretions and gallbladder contraction, but not bicarbonate release. Motilin regulates gut motility. So secretin is the best-fit hormone for driving bicarbonate release.