Cholecystokinin receptors are a family of G protein-coupled receptors consisting of CCK1 and CCK2 receptors. CCK1 receptors are found in the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder, and specific areas of the brain, while CCK2 receptors are found throughout the brain and in the oxyntic mucosa in the stomach. Cholecystokinin plays a major role in maintaining nutritional homeostasis through its involvement in processes such as gastric emptying, gallbladder contraction, and pancreatic exocrine secretion. Antagonists for CCK receptors are being evaluated for their potential as therapeutic drugs for appetite control, gastrointestinal dysmotility states, anxiety, depression, and drug dependency.
