CCKB/gastrin receptor antagonists as potential drugs for peptic ulcer therapy

Cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin are gastrointestinal polypeptide hormones that exert several regulatory functions on motility and secretion in the gastrointestinal tract. Their biological functions are mediated by different receptors located on the target tissues. Several selective and potent nonpeptide CCKB/gastrin receptor antagonists have been synthesized and are currently being studied. This review describes the development of different classes of these antagonists, and looks at future potential therapeutic benefits of such agents.