A neuropeptide that stimulates gastrin release; binds to (Ki = 300 nM) and stimulates amylase secretion in rat pancreatic AR42J cells (EC50 = 0.3 nM); increases proliferation of human liver carcinoma HepG2 and MHCC97H cells (1 nM); increases both pancreatic exocrine secretion and PP release in rats (0.35 nmol/kg/h); dose-dependently stimulates gastrin, pancreatic amylase, lipase, bilirubin, and acid output and induces gallbladder contraction in humans