Peripheral signals from stomach and small intestine are believed to in
duce satiation. In experimental animals, satiation factors can be tran
sfused pointing to the humoral nature of the signal. Cholecystokinin (
CCK) may be an important mediator, since infusion of exogenous CCK has
been demonstrated to induce satiation and to inhibit gastric emptying
. However, whether this effect of CCK is a physiological or pharmacolo
gical event is a matter of controversy. The significance of exogenous
CCK or stimulation of endogenous CCK in the possible treatment of obes
ity requires further study.