Description
Bombesin is a gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) analog that stimulates intestinal function; it was originally found in Bombina toads and binds bombesin receptors (BBRs) and GRP receptors. Mammalian homologs of this compound are neuromedin B and GRP. Bombesin exhibits antiepileptic/anticonvulsant potential, potentiating GABA release by increasing extracellular Ca2+ influx and inducing membrane depolarization through the inhibition of inwardly rectifying (hERG) K+ channels. Bombesin also exhibits anorexigenic and carcinogenic (pro-cancer) activities.
References
Zhang HP, Xiao Z, Cilz NI, et al. Bombesin facilitates GABAergic transmission and depresses epileptiform activity in the entorhinal cortex. Hippocampus. 2014 Jan;24(1):21-31. PMID: 23966303.
Weber HC. Regulation and signaling of human bombesin receptors and their biological effects. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2009 Feb;16(1):66-71. PMID: 19115523.
Yamada K, Wada E, Wada K. Bombesin-like peptides: studies on food intake and social behaviour with receptor knock-out mice. Ann Med. 2000 Nov;32(8):519-29. PMID: 11127929.
Ohlsson B, Fredäng N, Axelson J. The effect of bombesin, cholecystokinin, gastrin, and their antagonists on proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Scand J Gastroenterol. 1999 Dec;34(12):1224-9. PMID: 10636070.
