Regulation of cholecystokinin secretion in STC-1 cells by nitric oxide

Nitric oxide acts as an important regulator of cholecystokinin (CCK) release in the gastrointestinal tract. NO activates the potassium channels that promote CCK secretion by increasing the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate in STC-1 cell lines. A parallel pathway for NO-mediated stimulation of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K channels was suggested due to the inability of NO-generating agents to activate the channel. Furthermore, low levels of NO led to the depolarization of K channel basal membrane potential.