What is a Neurotensinoma?

Neurotensin is a 13 amino acid peptide produced by the N cells of the ileal mucosa. It stimulates intestinal secretion and motility, and inhibits gastric secretion. Neurotensin can be detected in pancreatic tumours when immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence tests are performed, and it has been shown that 10% of VIPomas secrete this peptide.

There is no syndrome associated with neurotensin alone, although when it is secreted with VIP it causes pancreatic cholera, and when secreted with gastrin the symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can be observed.

The presentation of this type of tumour is normally late, and any symptoms are normally consistent with those of a large metastatic tumour.