Exploitation and exploration of ceruletide and eledoisin, two peptides of nonmammalian origin

Eledoisin and ceruletide, two nonmammalian hormonelike peptides, have been explored for possible pharmaceutical application. At present, only a few of the potentialities of the two drugs have been exploited. Eledoisin is used in ophthalmology as a lachrymal secretagogue; ceruletide is applied in the radiological diagnosis of gallbladder, biliary system, and digestive tract disorders, in the study of exocrine pancreatic function, and in the treatment of postoperative paralytic ileus and intestinal hypotony and atony. Possible analgesic and antipsychotic applications of ceruletide are under study. Developments of synthetic and analytical methods for both peptides are briefly reviewed. Technical devices or alternative routes of administration are envisaged in order to enlarge both the present market and the field of application.