Rudolf Hyrdel, Jaroslav Sulitka, Michal Demeter
Gastrointestinal tract is described as the largest endocrine organ not only if the number of endicrine cells is considered, but also by its extend and spectrum of produced active substances. They are divided into classical hormones, neurotransmitters of peptide and non peptide characteristics, growth factors and inflammatory mediators. They are divided according to their characteristics and phylogenetic development into following groups: secretin group, gastrin group, EGF group, insulin group, tachykinin group, group of pancreatic polypeptide and somatostatin group. Particular peptides are characterized in the _article. Description of physiologic function of peptides which have been revealed recently are given in the conclusion. Survey is not completed as there are a great amount of new peptides characteristics of which has not been established yet.